Julie Posted January 11, 2011 Report Share Posted January 11, 2011 (edited) Tips for Literary Analysis and WritingThe following information is my suggestions and knowledge of the following:analyzing literary textsanalyzing tonenarrative techniques vs literary devices to look forhow to analyze large excerpts of literary textstrategies for writing commentariesapproaching prosehelpful terminologyquick tips specifically for IB English World Literature AssignmentsTERMINOLOGY TO KNOW BEFORE BEGINNING TO ANALYZE OR WRITE IN A LITERARY MANNERLiterary Devices:Dictionthe important and individual words the author usesjargon; slang-colloquial; sophisticated individual words to create attitudeImagerythe word pictures creates by groups of wordsword images[*]DetailsBroken down into three major categories:speechappearancethoughtaction[*]used to characterize someone/something and/or to create setting[*]Often confused with images, these are more precisely facts, and are notable not only for what is included but what is purposefully omitted[*]what specific facts are included and what is left out[*]Languagethis term describes the characteristics of the body of words usedterms like slang, scholarly, jargon, denote language[*]Syntax/Sentence StructureExpressed in its most elemental form, this notes that short sentences are often emotional or assert and that longer sentences move toward more reasonable or even scholarly intentlength- short or long[*]Motifsa special category to its own- can occur in the form of any of the other literary devicesa reoccurring object, concept or structuretwo contrasting elements in a work (e.g. good and evil, dark and light, love and hatred, etc.)a reoccurring word (diction)a reoccurring symbola reoccurring symbol that leads to a detaila reoccurring subject, theme, idea, etc., esp. in a literary, artistic, or musical worke.g. clothing, seasons, colors, revenge, betrayal, love, religion, journey, etc.Narrative Techniques:Plotevents- external or internalsequence- flashback, chronological, in medias resnarrative pace- what to leave out, what to include[*]Point of viewfirst person- character, observer, naiveomniscient- all knowing vs. limited objective omniscientstream of consciousness[*]Settingplace; time; physical details; circumstances; cultural specifics; etc.helps establish atmosphere which leads to attitude/tone[*]Characterizationdirect presentation- tell the reader directlyindirect presentation- shows reader the character in action; infer from what is said or donedialoguecharacterization can also be the effect of utilizing certain techniques rather than being a technique itself[*]Styleequivalent to the Literary Techniques, yet fall under Narrative Techniquessymbol- means more than what it isirony- suggests discrepancydiction- denotation; connotationfigurative languagesyntaxdetailimagery (can create sound and other senses)repetitionjuxtaposition/contrastmotifs- recurring object, concept or structure; two contrasting elements in a book; etc.TIPS:Remember: Style=Literary Devices, and Literary Devices fall under the category of Narrative TechniquesHOW TO READ PROSE EFFECTIVELYFirst ReadingRead the passage carefully, with a highlighter/stick-notes in your handUnderline with your highlighter or mark with your stick-notes the following itemsComparisons (metaphors, similes, personification...)Images (word pictures)Word which have definite emotional connotationsSound or sense words and phrases; imagery that creates sounds and senses (creates a picture)Alliteration, consonance, assonanceColorsAllusionsSecond ReadingWith a different-colored pen, highlight strands of language which seem to fir together (e.g. images and words connected with darkness, childhood, religion, etc.). This part is very important.Mark words or phrases which seem to belong to a specialized jargon or a certain type of diction (such as words or groups of words which are used by a particular trade or profession, or words which seem to indicate a type of speech such as formal, slang, colloquial, etc.)After completing this process, you will begin to see the emergence of a pattern of language, or perhaps more than one pattern. This pattern is called a strand of imagery and its emergence will lead you toward the true meaning of the passage.APPROACHING A PROSE COMMENTARYBegin by jotting down your own reactions and observations. As a second stage, the following may help you explore further and organize your ideas:FocusWhat is the passage about?[*]Point of ViewIs the attitude of the narrator significant?What is the narrator's attitude to his/her subject?What is the tone of the passage?From whose point of view is the passage told?Does this change in the course of the passage?Is the point of view changes in the passage, what effects are gained from this change?[*]Central CharacterIs there a central character?What do we learn about him/her?How do we learn about him/her (others' comments, description, interior monologue, etc.)?Is there anything significant about his/her relationships?How do we feel about him/her/them?[*]Chronology/TimeIs the passage narrated chronologically, or does it look forwards or backwards at any point?In either case, why is this done?What does it achieve?Is time of significance?[*]StructureHow is the passage structures?Does it fall into several sections, or is it one unbroken piece of writing?What effects does its structure have?One what rationale is its structure based?[*]Description/LanguageWhat part does description play (does it provide setting, add to atmosphere, tell us about the characters, etc)?How are diction or images used and what effect do they create?Comment on images and diction that enhance or create meaning.[*]Beginning/EndingIs there anything striking about either the beginning or ending of the prose or both of these?PunctuationIs there anything unusual about punctuation, sentence length and complexity?InvitationHow are we being invited to read the passage (with empathy, experiencing the feelings and thoughts of the character or narrator, critically, with judgment, curiosity, etc.)?SUGGESTIONS FOR INTEGRATING QUOTATIONSUse a signal phrase that is not a complete sentence followed by a comma and then a quoteUse a signal phrase that is a complete sentence followed by a full colon and then a quoteUse a bit of a quote in your own sentencePROBLEMS THAT OCCUR WHEN IB EXAMINERS READ WORLD LITERATURE ESSAYS:Topics:Not literaryToo broadForced comparisonsLack of clear expression/confusedOversimplification of worksTreatment:More description or narrationApparent ignorance of cultural backgroundPresenting just a catalog of similaritiesNeglect of contrasts and differencesUse of examples without due analysis of impactPresentation and Language:Introduction too lengthy, general or biographicalConclusion merely reiterates the body of the essayCareless writing, lack of adequate proof-readingQuotations not cited in fullPoor integration of quotationsLack of bibliography Edited January 12, 2011 by ~Julie~ 9 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted January 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 Comparing and Contrasting Two Literary Works, i.e. World Literature Assessment 1I've always been taught that you kind of "mix" the books. A regular essay can split up the paragraphs according to the book.Example of an average essay according to my teacher:Paragraph 1: aspect 1 book 1Paragraph 2: aspect 2 book 1Paragraph 3: aspect 1 book 2Paragraph 4: aspect 2 book 2Example of a regular/slightly above average essay:Par. 1: aspect 1 book onePar. 2: aspect 1 book 2Par. 3: aspect 2 book 1Par. 4: aspect 2 book 2 etc etcBut the way my teacher says to do it to make it move away form "regular" to "exceptional" is by mixing both books into one paragraphParagraph 1: aspect 1 in book 1 and 2Paragraph 2: apsect 2 in book 1 and 2Paragraph 3: aspect 2 in book 1 and 2 (sometimes one aspect will have to be two paragraphs long, depending on the amount of ideas you have)and the analysis would look something like:In book 1, the author utilizes something to achieve something. Quote with evidence than a sentence of analysis (so what does the author achieve or whatever). TRANSITION On the other hand/Similarly/Contrastingly/In contrast, book 2 uses something to create something 5 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted January 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 Suggestions for Brainstorming your WL1 and Not Losing Hope!Getting started with your World Literature Assessment 1 can be one of the hardest problems. People tend to procrastinate their writing because they don't know where to begin. Therefore, I have come up with a set of tips, from my own personal experiences, in order to stay motivated, get all of your ideas ready and written down on paper, and start writing! Here we go...Choosing a TopicChoosing a topic for your WL1 can be very difficult. Many questions arise when trying to figure out the perfect topic: Is the topic too narrow, too broad? Can I write a lot about the topic (to fill up the prescribed word count)? Etc. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:Your topic should be from books:You enjoyed and are interested inYou feel you have a strong understanding aboutYou can argue and analyzeYou can identify the main themesSTEP 1: Take a seat and write!Sit down in a comfortable spot with your books and some paper and a pen.Start with one book only.Begin writing down all of the main themes that occurred in the book.Do this for the other books.Now match them up:Compare and contrast the main themesAre any of the main themes the same or similar?Do any of the main themes connect in any way?[*]Make graphs, tables or drawings to compile your ideas into an organized mannerSTEP 2: Which ideas will you use?Which ideas do you like the best (are interested in the most)?Do you think you can write a long essay about that idea or those multiple ideas?Does your idea connect with the overall meaning of the books?Sometimes you find themes that are relevant only to that passage, rather than the whole book. If you choose a theme like that, you will have problems finding supporting quotes and the ideas will only apply to small portions of the book(s). Watch out!STEP 3:Deduction, Ideas and Analysis.Now, you have the two books you wish to compare and contrast, and you have your ideas. On to the next step…Take the two books and the main ideas you have written down, discard the other book.Go through each book individually and find supporting quotes for the ideas.Once you have the quotes, analyze them.Literary devicesNarrative devicesSpecial techniquesSpecific voice of the author(s), etc.[*]After analyzing, sit back and think (when thinking, you will still need to WRITE, so keep that paper and pen in hand):Do any of the aspects you analyzed contribute to the overall theme of the books?If they do, keep them. If they do not, discard them. An author may use a certain technique, but it is not always relevant for the themes/ideas you are dealing with.STEP 4: Thinking is over, time for that topic to come out:What themes have you discovered during your brainstorming that could be a topic of analysis and discussion?Formulate that idea into a statement.Take a good look at your statement (which will be your title, unless you change it)Is it clear?Will it bring in personal thought?Will it require a solid level of analysis from you?Will it interest the reader(s)?Does it interest you?Will you have to utilize your critical thinking skills to write about this topic?Is the topic new and innovative?If you answered “yes” to all of the above questions, then you have officially formulated your topic!Step 5: Start writing your introduction, and formulate your thesis statement (keep in mind, your thesis statement may change depending on how your ideas change throughout the writing process). Break down your ideas into paragraphs, and you are good to go.Refer to the following links for in-depth tips and help with the actual "writing process" of your essay: Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
VANZ Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 (edited) Hey Julie..im taking hl english as well. would you happen to have anymore notes that could help me on analytical writing. I tend to repeat and run out of points easilyThanks a ton Edited May 23, 2011 by Summer Glau no text speak Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted March 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Hey Julie..im taking hl english as well. would u happen to have anymore notes that could help me on analytical writing. I tend to repeat and run out of points easilyThanks a tonThis is the most detailed stuff I have, but I DO know of some extra stuff, but it's at school. Once I get to school I'll get it and see if there is anything more I can add in, especially concerning analytical writing and making points in essays Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
VANZ Posted October 9, 2011 Report Share Posted October 9, 2011 Hey Julie, been a while since ive been on ANYHOO so ive started writing my english hl ee. My topic is An Examination of the importance of cultural context in the development of the protagonist in Alan Paton’s Cry the Beloved Country and Anita Desai’s Baumgartner’s Bombay. ... any tips? thanks Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 30, 2011 Report Share Posted November 30, 2011 you are....amazing Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhagyashree Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Suggestions for Brainstorming your WL1 and Not Losing Hope!Getting started with your World Literature Assessment 1 can be one of the hardest problems. People tend to procrastinate their writing because they don't know where to begin. Therefore, I have come up with a set of tips, from my own personal experiences, in order to stay motivated, get all of your ideas ready and written down on paper, and start writing! Here we go...Choosing a TopicChoosing a topic for your WL1 can be very difficult. Many questions arise when trying to figure out the perfect topic: Is the topic too narrow, too broad? Can I write a lot about the topic (to fill up the prescribed word count)? Etc. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:Your topic should be from books:You enjoyed and are interested inYou feel you have a strong understanding aboutYou can argue and analyzeYou can identify the main themesSTEP 1: Take a seat and write!Sit down in a comfortable spot with your books and some paper and a pen.Start with one book only.Begin writing down all of the main themes that occurred in the book.Do this for the other books.Now match them up:Compare and contrast the main themesAre any of the main themes the same or similar?Do any of the main themes connect in any way?[*]Make graphs, tables or drawings to compile your ideas into an organized mannerSTEP 2: Which ideas will you use?Which ideas do you like the best (are interested in the most)?Do you think you can write a long essay about that idea or those multiple ideas?Does your idea connect with the overall meaning of the books?Sometimes you find themes that are relevant only to that passage, rather than the whole book. If you choose a theme like that, you will have problems finding supporting quotes and the ideas will only apply to small portions of the book(s). Watch out!STEP 3:Deduction, Ideas and Analysis.Now, you have the two books you wish to compare and contrast, and you have your ideas. On to the next step…Take the two books and the main ideas you have written down, discard the other book.Go through each book individually and find supporting quotes for the ideas.Once you have the quotes, analyze them.Literary devicesNarrative devicesSpecial techniquesSpecific voice of the author(s), etc.[*]After analyzing, sit back and think (when thinking, you will still need to WRITE, so keep that paper and pen in hand):Do any of the aspects you analyzed contribute to the overall theme of the books?If they do, keep them. If they do not, discard them. An author may use a certain technique, but it is not always relevant for the themes/ideas you are dealing with.STEP 4: Thinking is over, time for that topic to come out:What themes have you discovered during your brainstorming that could be a topic of analysis and discussion?Formulate that idea into a statement.Take a good look at your statement (which will be your title, unless you change it)Is it clear?Will it bring in personal thought?Will it require a solid level of analysis from you?Will it interest the reader(s)?Does it interest you?Will you have to utilize your critical thinking skills to write about this topic?Is the topic new and innovative?If you answered "yes" to all of the above questions, then you have officially formulated your topic!Step 5: Start writing your introduction, and formulate your thesis statement (keep in mind, your thesis statement may change depending on how your ideas change throughout the writing process). Break down your ideas into paragraphs, and you are good to go.Refer to the following links for in-depth tips and help with the actual "writing process" of your essay:http://www.ibsurviva...ing-a-wl-topic/http://www.ibsurviva...aper-2-and-wl1/http://www.ibsurviva...write-an-essay/Suggestions for Brainstorming your WL1 and Not Losing Hope!Getting started with your World Literature Assessment 1 can be one of the hardest problems. People tend to procrastinate their writing because they don't know where to begin. Therefore, I have come up with a set of tips, from my own personal experiences, in order to stay motivated, get all of your ideas ready and written down on paper, and start writing! Here we go...Choosing a TopicChoosing a topic for your WL1 can be very difficult. Many questions arise when trying to figure out the perfect topic: Is the topic too narrow, too broad? Can I write a lot about the topic (to fill up the prescribed word count)? Etc. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:Your topic should be from books:You enjoyed and are interested inYou feel you have a strong understanding aboutYou can argue and analyzeYou can identify the main themesSTEP 1: Take a seat and write!Sit down in a comfortable spot with your books and some paper and a pen.Start with one book only.Begin writing down all of the main themes that occurred in the book.Do this for the other books.Now match them up:Compare and contrast the main themesAre any of the main themes the same or similar?Do any of the main themes connect in any way?[*]Make graphs, tables or drawings to compile your ideas into an organized mannerSTEP 2: Which ideas will you use?Which ideas do you like the best (are interested in the most)?Do you think you can write a long essay about that idea or those multiple ideas?Does your idea connect with the overall meaning of the books?Sometimes you find themes that are relevant only to that passage, rather than the whole book. If you choose a theme like that, you will have problems finding supporting quotes and the ideas will only apply to small portions of the book(s). Watch out!STEP 3:Deduction, Ideas and Analysis.Now, you have the two books you wish to compare and contrast, and you have your ideas. On to the next step…Take the two books and the main ideas you have written down, discard the other book.Go through each book individually and find supporting quotes for the ideas.Once you have the quotes, analyze them.Literary devicesNarrative devicesSpecial techniquesSpecific voice of the author(s), etc.[*]After analyzing, sit back and think (when thinking, you will still need to WRITE, so keep that paper and pen in hand):Do any of the aspects you analyzed contribute to the overall theme of the books?If they do, keep them. If they do not, discard them. An author may use a certain technique, but it is not always relevant for the themes/ideas you are dealing with.STEP 4: Thinking is over, time for that topic to come out:What themes have you discovered during your brainstorming that could be a topic of analysis and discussion?Formulate that idea into a statement.Take a good look at your statement (which will be your title, unless you change it)Is it clear?Will it bring in personal thought?Will it require a solid level of analysis from you?Will it interest the reader(s)?Does it interest you?Will you have to utilize your critical thinking skills to write about this topic?Is the topic new and innovative?If you answered "yes" to all of the above questions, then you have officially formulated your topic!Step 5: Start writing your introduction, and formulate your thesis statement (keep in mind, your thesis statement may change depending on how your ideas change throughout the writing process). Break down your ideas into paragraphs, and you are good to go.Refer to the following links for in-depth tips and help with the actual "writing process" of your essay:http://www.ibsurviva...ing-a-wl-topic/http://www.ibsurviva...aper-2-and-wl1/http://www.ibsurviva...write-an-essay/Hey can you tell me what is 'motif' in literary criticism?What is setting? Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arrowhead Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 (edited) Hey can you tell me what is 'motif' in literary criticism? What is setting? Motif: A recurrent image, word, phrase, represented object or action that tends to unify the literary work or that may be elaborated into a more general theme. Also, a situation, incident, idea, image, or character type that is found in many different literary works, folktales, or myths.Setting1. Types of setting: · Neutral setting: the setting is not important, just a place where the action takes place. · Spiritual setting: the values embodied in the physical setting; there is no easy relationship between physical setting and moral values. · Dynamic setting: the setting may take on the role of a character.2. Elements of a setting: · Geography (topography, scenery, interiors, etc.) · Occupation and lifestyle of characters · Time · Religious, intellectual, and moral environment3. Functions of a setting: · Setting as metaphor: the setting projects the internal state of the characters or a pervasive spiritual atmosphere. · Atmosphere: a mood or emotional aura suggested by the setting and helping to establish the reader's expectations4. Setting as the dominant element: · Time, especially in historical novels · Place: regionalist or local color novels (spiritual as well as geographical) Edited December 13, 2011 by Arrowhead Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtle turtle Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 This was helpful but I still don't quite get the different between symbols and motifs. I also can't differentiate between diction, syntax, tone Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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