Writing about Literature

Yeo Ju ChoiChristin Hunnicutt

Most students need help with . . .

• Thesis statement• Argument• Analysis– Literary Terms

• Structure – Organization– Introduction and Conclusion– Transitions, Flow

Analysis

How one or more aspects of the writing, such as theme, style, or character, contribute to overall meaning

The ambiguity of events in The Scarlet Letter shows us that Hawthorne. . .

“The Scarlet Letter” (1860) by T. H. Matteson .http://www.chs.helena.k12.mt.us/faculty/hhillZ/Scarlet.jpg

Comparison• Illuminates two or more

works and shows connections between them

• Focuses on similarities or differences in style, theme, character or other matters

When comparing Tom Sawyer to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the reader should bear in mind that, though intended to be companion pieces, . . .

The Elements of Fiction

• Plot and Structure• Characterization• Setting • Theme• Irony• Point of View – First person– Third person

(omniscient, participating)

• Symbolism• Style

Style?

When writers talk about style, they usually mean the overall impression gained from the effect of the words—the content, the use of language, the organization. It’s a slippery concept.

So, break it down . . .

.

Style is . . .• Word Choice (Diction)• Word Order (Syntax)• Sentence length• Paragraph length• Sentence type• Sentence Length• Tone• Figurative language

Fictions: Prompts for Thesis Ideas • What was the author attempting to do?

– Purpose, scope, view, attitude– Picture of material presented– Ideas on life, liberty, morals, society, religion, etc.– Author’s personal background

• How well did the author succeed in his/her attempt? – Stylistic faults, excellencies, devices– Relationship between structure and content– Targeted audience

• What value does the attempt have? – Theme and purpose– Tone: light, serious, etc.– Comparison between the author’s intention and the reader perception

The Elements of Poetry• Voice: Speaker & Audience• Diction • Imagery• Figures of Speech• Symbolism • Allegory• Sound, Rhythm, & Meter• Theme

Poetry: Prompts for Thesis Ideas

• Indentify the overall effect of the poem– convert the reader– create shock, nostalgia, fear or another emotion– evoke a mood

• Consider how the poem's parts contribute to the overall effect.

– structure, organization, language, meter, literary devices

• Is there a theme or a thesis to the poem?

The Elements of Drama• Type: – Tragedy– Comedy– Tragicomedy

• Plot• Characters: Major, Minor• Dialogue• Staging• Theme

Drama: Prompts for Thesis Ideas• How do the roles of the various minor characters expose the

major characters or advance the movement of the plot?

• Compare and contrast the knowledge the audience has that of the characters. Does the difference create dramatic suspense?

• Analyze the importance placed on the various themes. Are there any changes that occur during the course of the play?

• Consider the role of physical stage directions and the effect they have on the play as a whole.

Critical Perspectives• The critical theory that informs

an approach to analysis or commentary on a literary textFor a review of approaches: (The

Bedford Glossary on the UWC shelf)

• In advanced classes, students may be required to approach a text from a particular critical perspective; or they may have to select one.

Dr. Samuel Johnson, the ultimate critic

Helping Students Select a Topic

• Look over notes and readings for:– key points of emphasis– recurring concerns– interesting questions

• Ask prof for suggestions.• Talk with other students.• Consult other sources of

information about the work.

Research The librarians offer help! Check out http://library.tamu.edu/class-guides/englishor http://library.tamu.edu/help/help-yourself/citing-sources.

Thesis Statements– Argue a point about

the author or the work

– Are as specific as possible

– Are written in a simple, direct sentence

– Act as an umbrella for the content of the essay

Introductions• Name the author and work

being discussed.• Give the basic premise of

the argument by– identifying the subject, or– setting limitations for a

unified theme.• Create interest by

examining the subject from the perspective of a reader.

• Introduce the thesis.

Primary Sources (what the text says)

• Primary sources should be quoted directly or paraphrased as needed.

• Often the author’s exact wording is important, so a direct quote would be warranted.

Secondary Sources (what the critics say)• Direct quotes should be

used only when the person being quoted is eloquent or very apt; generally, indirect quotes (paraphrases) are needed.

• The quote’s significance to the argument should be explicitly stated.

• Every quote should be introduced by a tag or a colon.

Synthesis (what the writer says)

• The writer’s job is to consider what the critics say and what the text itself says and to bring these together (synthesize them) from a new or original perspective.

• The best essays help the reader see the work under discussion in a new light.

Conclusions• Leave the reader

with a sense of completeness and closure.

• Summarize the main points in a creative restatement.

• Place emphasis on significant or memorable points.

ResourcesBaker, Jim. The Aggie Critic. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2002.DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 5th ed.

New York: McGraw Hill, 2002.McKeague, Pat. Step By Step: Writing About Literature. 6th ed. Dubuque,

IA: Kendall / Hunt Publishing Company, 1999.“Analyzing General Literature.” Texas A&M University Writing Center.

2003. 20 April 2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/lit.html>.“Analyzing Plays.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April

2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/plays.html>.“Analyzing Poetry.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April

2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/poetry.html>.“Analyzing Prose.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April

2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/prose.html>.