Literary Analysis:

How to Build a Foundation for Student Learning

In this session, you will learn:

The components of a written literary analysis Different types of literary analysis (Focus) Research resources Assessment rubrics
Literary Analysis

Overview
What is it?
A literary analysis can be thought of as an argument. Involves a discussion of a text as writing. Can analyze a character, idea, or theme.

Why is it important?
Helps with reading comprehension Allows students to dig deeper Helps students logically understand the piece Shows that students can both apply their own ideas and use information from sources

So
How can I help my students understand?
Visual aids Clear guidelines for the assignment Let them know your expectations (rubric)

Sources

MLA Format/ Citation

Rhetorical Elements

Essential Elements

S U P P O R T

Context

THESIS

Intro Body Pghs Conclusion

Statement

You can help your students learn how to construct a literary analysis by having them think of it as the components of a house.

How to construct the perfect literary analysis:

The roof represents the sources (both primary and secondary) that are used in literary analysis.
MLA Format/ Citation

Sources

Think of MLA format and citation as the chimney. While it is a small part of your construction, it is still very important! Your windows into the work are what will help your reader better understand the piece. These may include rhetorical devices (like mood, symbolism, irony, or figurative language) and essential elements (such as theme, plot, point of view, setting, and characterization).

Rhetorical Elements

Essential Elements

S U P P O R T

Remember: Like the four walls of a house,

you must support what you are saying in your analysis. This may include quotes or brief summaries of key events from the piece. Knowing the historical, social, and political context of a work opens the door to further areas of discussion. The thesis statement is the foundation of a strong literary analysis essay. Remember the steps in writing an essay. Youll need an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Context

THESIS

Intro Body Pghs Conclusion

Statement

Components

The foundation: The walls: The windows: The door: The roof: The chimney: The stairs:

Thesis Support Rhetorical and Essential elements Context Sources MLA Formatting/Citation The steps needed to write any essay

Founding a Thesis

Defining statement of paper Surrounded by backup, not fluff Usually within first paragraph

Possible Activity: Have students write first paragraph and identify thesis statement

A Window into Literary Soul

Writing should use rhetorical and essential elements to describe the text and support their claims. We need to be able to see into the house, after all.

Possible Activity: For rhetorical elements, have students come up with their own and then find them in the text.

This is what the front side of the worksheet looks like.

And this is the back.

Opening the Door: Context

Different critical lenses: Historical, political, personal, and so on. Allows for further discussion by inviting ideas in.

Possible Activity: Have students research the author as it provides potential material for the essay.

Keeping the Weather Out: Sources

Sources are used to cover the support Primary v. Secondary Can be in print or digital Databases Is Wikipedia a source? Validity of sources

Possible Activity: Have students interact with search engines, and databases.

Primary / Secondary Sources Worksheet

The Chimney: Citation

Documentation is key. What is plagiarism and how should it be punished? Citation styles and formats

Possible Activity: After the last activity, have students complete a research scavenger hunt.

The Stairs: Steps in Writing Essays

Intro (1st step) is intentionally linked to thesis (foundation) Middle steps = body paragraphs Final step (to get out of the house) = conclusion

Possible Activity: Have your students get together in groups of five and collaborate on a five paragraph essay.

Name: ________________________________

Pd. ______

Date: _____________________

My Literary Analysis Checklist

Directions: Please read each question carefully. If you can answer yes and if the step has been completed, you may check off the box. Do I have a clear, specific thesis statement? -> What is it? _____________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do I have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion that are all well supported? Have I researched the historical, political, and social background of the time in which the novel was written OR of the setting in which the novel takes place? Have I shown evidence of support in my analysis? Remember, this may include summarizing key scenes from the novel or paraphrasing key events. Did I discuss some of the rhetorical devices that the author used? (Refer to your list to double check) Did I address the essential elements of the story? (Refer to your list to double check) Have I consulted both primary and secondary sources to help back up my ideas? Did I double check that my paper is formatted correctly and that I have used proper citation? Did I proofread my paper carefully for errors in spelling and grammar?

Once you have completed this sheet, you may turn in this paper and your final draft to me.

Different Types of Analysis

Character analysis Plot analysis Historical analysis (Requires outside research) Movement analysis (May require outside research)

Clear Guidelines

What do you want done? How can your students do it? What should the end product be?

Clear Guidelines

Establish expectations

Sample Based on PSSA scoring rubric 4 point scale How will you be scoring? What does the student have to do to Get a 4? A 3? A 2? A 1?

Wrap Up

You can make teaching literary analysis less painful! Remember:

Use visual aids Set clear guidelines Establish expectations Be there for your students! It will be difficult to teach especially as beginning teachers, but if you have the right attitude it will be a lot easier!

The End!
Are there any questions, comments, or concerns?