Literary and Style Analysis Essays

Style Analysis Essays

Style Analysis Essays are six to seven paragraph responses to the authors style and rhetorical strategies in a short piece of literature usually nonfiction. In this packet, students will learn to write about tone, diction, detail, point of view, organization and syntax at an advanced level. The Style Analysis Essay is one-third of the AP Language Essay Score. Therefore, every student must have these skills mastered by the beginning of February.

Student Name

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Period

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Table of Contents

LessonsPage numberCheck when completed

Literary Terms to Know3

Style Analysis Outline: The Chart Version4-6

Tone and Attitude

7

The Rattler

8-9

Writing a Thesis

10

Writing an Introduction

11

Writing a Diction Paragraph

12-14

Writing a Detail Paragraph

15-17

Writing a Point of View Paragraph18-20

Writing an Organization Paragraph21-23

Writing a Syntax Paragraph

24-26

Writing a Conclusion

27

Literary Terms to Know

Literary terms can be confusing because there are many names that may mean the same thing. This chart will help you understand what the prompt is asking and give you vocabulary to use in your essay

Literary Term Please defineWords that mean the same or can be used in conjunction with the term.

Style AnalysisAuthors use of style

Authors use of language

Authors use of rhetorical strategies

Tone

Mood, Attitude

Diction

Word Choice, Language, Figurative Language,

Figures of Speech

Detail

Imagery

Point of View

Narrator, Perspective

Organization

Narrative Structure: chronological order, cause and effect, order of importance, flash-forward, flashback, problem-solution

Syntax

Sentence Structure

Please Note: diction, detail, point of view, organization and syntax are all devices that the author uses to make the tone of the story evident to the reader. Your commentary should consistently link your evidence to the tone of the story.

Literary Analysis Outline:

The Chart VersionParagraph 1: Tone

Sentence 1Introduces the author and title and names two different but complimentary tones.

Sentences 2-4Elaborate on the ideas written in your thesis. Include information about the plot, conflict and historical background if possible.

Paragraph 2: Diction

Sentence 1Topic Sentence: It includes the word diction and links it to the tone words.

Sentence 2Evidence: This sentence will use 3 words or short phrases from different parts of the beginning of the passage that have strong connotations they will be good examples to support the tone words in your thesis and topic sentence.

Sentence 3Explain the significance of one or two of the words you quoted.

Sentence 4Explain the significance of the other word or words you quoted.

Sentence 5Evidence: This sentence will use 2 or 3 words or short phrases from different parts of the end of the passage that have strong connotations they will be good examples to support the tone words in your thesis and topic sentence.

Sentence 6Explain the significance of one or two of the words you quoted.

Sentence 7Explain the significance of the other word or words you quoted.

Sentence 8This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and leads into the detail paragraph.

Paragraph 3: Detail

Sentence 1Topic Sentence: It includes the word detail or imagery and links it to the tone words.

Sentence 2Evidence: This sentence will use 2 phrases from early in the passage that describes the sensory details sight, taste, touch, smell, and sound.

Sentence 3Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.

Sentence 4Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.

Sentence 5Evidence: This sentence will use 2 phrases from early in the passage that describes the sensory details sight, taste, touch, smell, and sound.

Sentence 6Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.

Sentence 7Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.

Sentence 8This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and leads into the point of view paragraph.

Paragraph 4: Point of View

Sentence 1Topic Sentence: It includes the words first person, third person limited, or third person omniscient point of view and links it to the tone words.

Sentence 2Evidence: This sentence will use 1 or 2 phrases that explain the narrators perspective from the beginning of the passage.

Sentence 3Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.

Sentence 4Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.

Sentence 5Evidence: This sentence will use 1 or 2 phrases that explain the narrators perspective toward the end of the passage.

Sentence 6Explain the significance of one of the phrases you quoted.

Sentence 7Explain the significance of the other phrase you quoted.

Sentence 8This concluding sentence ties the ideas together and explains how the point of view or perspective either remained constant or changed.

Paragraph 5: Organization

Sentence 1Topic Sentence: The sentence includes the word organization and defines it (chronological, flash-back, flash-forward, cause and effect etc.)

Sentence 2Evidence: Summarize the beginning of the story/essay.

Sentence 3Explain why the author began the story here.

Sentence 4Evidence: Summarize the middle of the story/essay.

Sentence 5Explain why the author used this as the turning point or climax.

Sentence 6Evidence: Summarize the end of the story/essay.

Sentence 7Explain why the author ended with this event/idea.

Sentence 8This concluding sentence discusses the flow of the entire piece.

Paragraph 6: Syntax

Sentence 1Topic Sentence: The sentence includes the word syntax and relates it to the tone.

Sentence 2Evidence: Cite the type of sentences the author is using - simple, complex, commands, fragments, dialogue, repetition, colloquialism, slang, etc.

Sentence 3Explain why the author uses this style of grammar.

Sentence 4Discuss the placement of this punctuation and link it to the tone.

Sentence 5Evidence: Cite the type of punctuation the author is using dashes, capital letters, question marks, exclamation points, colons, semi-colons.

Sentence 6Explain why the author uses this type of punctuation.

Sentence 7Discuss the placement of this punctuation and link it to the tone.

Sentence 8This concluding sentence discusses the flow of the entire piece.

Paragraph 7: Conclusion

Sentence 1Connect the tones in the story to the theme or main idea.

Sentences 2-4Explain why the theme is important to readers.

Tone and Attitude

1. What does the word tone mean? Please define it in your own words.

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2. What does the phrase tone of voice mean? Please define it in your own words.

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3. List six words that could describe a persons tone of voice.

__________________ __________________ __________________

__________________ __________________ __________________

Look at the example below, and highlight or underline the words or phrases that tell how Jeff feels.

Jeff clenched his fists tightly and closed eyes. Nevertheless, his face turned red as his enemy strutted by him.

4. Choose one of the words from question three, and write two to three sentences that convey that tone without using the tone word or any synonym of the tone word.

Tone: ___________

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Highlight or underline the words that convey the feeling you chose.

Common Tone Words (in adjective form)

sadangryhumblecheerfuldidactic

depressedmockinggentleenthusiasticastute

gloomyout-ragedpassiveadmiringdiplomatic

melancholyvindictiveacceptingplayfulpersuasive

disheartenedfrustratedearnestjoyousintense

sulkingcriticalsincerewhimsicalcautionary

solemnaggravatedapatheticbenevolentloving

mournfulaggressivereflectivesurprisedsympathetic

Read the following story and circle the words that suggest tone. You will use this story to write your style analysis essay.

The Rattler

After sunset I walked out into the desert Light was thinning; the bushes dry savory odors were sweet on the cooler air. In this, the first pleasant moment for a walk after long blazing hot hours at work, I thought I was the only one here.

Abruptly, I stopped short.

The other lay rigid, as he suddenly arrested. His body undulant moving in a wave-like motion. His head was not drawn back to strike yet. It was merely turned a little to watch what I would do. It was a rattlesnake and knew it. I mean when a six foot black snake thick as my wrist, capable of a long range attack, and armed with powerful fangs is in the middle of a path, he did not feel the need to get out of anybodys way. He held his ground in calm watchfulness; he was not even rattling-yet, much less was he coiled. He was waiting for me to show my intentions.

My first instinct was to let him go his way and I would go mine, and with this he would have been well content. I have never killed an animal that I was not obliged to kill; the sport in taking life is a satisfaction I cant feel. But I reflected that there were children, dogs, horses at the ranch as well as men and women who were not very strong. My duty, plainly, was to kill the snake. I went back to the ranch house, got a hoe, and returned.

The rattler had not moved; he lay there like a live wire. But he saw the hoe. Now his tail twitched the little tocsin sounded; he drew his head back as if to attack, so I raised my weapon. Quicker than I could strike, he shot into a dense bush and set up his rattling. He shook and shook his fair but furious signal, quite sportingly warning me that I had made an unprovoked attack, attempted to take his life, and that if I persisted he would have no choice but to take mine if he could. I listened for a minute to his little song of death. It was not ugly though it was ominous. It said that life was dear and would be dearly sold. And I reached into the bush with my hoe and, hacking about, soon dragged him out of it with his back broken.

He struck passionately one more time at the hoe; but a moment later his neck was broken, and he was soon dead. Technically, that is; he was still twitching and when I picked him up by the tail, some consequent jar, some mechanical reflex made his jaw gape and snap once more. There was blood in his mouth and poison dripping from his fangs; it was a nasty sight, pitiful now that it was done.

I did not cut off the rattles for a trophy; I let him drop into the close green guardianship of the bush. Then, for a moment, I could see him as if I had let him go, sinuous and self respecting over the desert sand.

Analyzing The Rattler

1. How does the man feel about what he does?

2. What impression does the snake give?

3. Frequently, students say that they feel sorry for the snake or that the snake seems to be full of power and dignity. Please list six tone words that could be used to describe the feelings in this story.

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The Thesis

1. Do not copy the prompt.

2. The thesis is the first sentence in your introduction. It will include the title of the piece, the author (if the name is give), and two different but complimentary tones. Example using tones in adjective form:

In The Rattler, the remorseful and duty bound tones reflect the mans reluctance to kill the snake, but his willingness to protect others.

Fill in the blanks by using two tone words you listed on the previous page, and then finish the sentence.

In The Rattler, the __________________ and ___________________ tones reflect the _______________________________________________________

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Example using tones in noun form (leave out the word tone):

In The Rattler, the remorse and responsibility reflect the mans reluctance to kill the snake, but his willingness to protect others.

Fill in the blanks by using two tone words that are nouns, and then finish the sentence.

In The Rattler, the __________________ and ___________________ reflect the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Writing an Introduction

1. The introduction will begin with the thesis, but your readers will often need additional background information including a summary of the main parts of the story. It is important to keep the introduction short, so that you have more time for the body paragraphs.

Example for The RattlerIn The Rattler, the remorseful and duty bound tones reflect the mans reluctance to kill the snake, but his willingness to protect others. The man wanted to enjoy an afternoon walk in the desert, but he was worried when he saw the snake. The man felt that he had to kill the dangerous animal in order to protect the other animals and people on the ranch.

2. Please write an introduction that begins with your thesis and contains additional summary and background information.

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Important Note: The title of a short piece should be in quotation marks.Writing a Diction Paragraph

1. Remember that diction means word choice. Words with strong connotations (feelings) can help create the tone of the story.

Example: The words plump and obese both describe a person who is overweight. Their denotation (actual meaning) is the same. But they have different connotations. The word plump is pleasant and cute. It more often describes women and children, and is more cheerful. The word obese is scientific. It is used by medical personnel and often suggests that a person is unhealthy or at risk for particular diseases.

2. Look back at The Rattler and make a list of at least 10 words or short phrases you circled. You can include figurative language. Then, explain the connotation of these words.

WordsExplanations

Lay rigidStiff, unyielding, the snake was ready for a challenge

Long-range attackDangerous the snake could really hurt someone

3. Before you start the diction paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This sentence should include the word diction and focus on words that support the tones in your thesis.

Example: The authors diction heightens the power and force behind the snake as it responds to the man first patiently, then defensively.Please write your topic sentence now.

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4. The next part of the sentence follows a specific pattern. You will write one example sentence with three words and phrases from your chart that are connected by your own words. They must be in quotation marks and part of a complete sentence. Then, please add two more sentences that explain the connotation of the words. These three sentences (one sentence of evidence and two of explanation) are called a chunk.

Example: When the man first saw the snake lay rigid in the desert, he stopped short because he knew the animal was capable of a long-range attack. This snake appeared ready for a challenge. Therefore, the man was concerned that someone may get hurt.

Please write an example sentence with three quotes from the beginning of the story followed by two sentences explaining the connotations of the words you selected.

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5. Next, please write an example sentence with three quotes from the middle to end of the story followed by two sentences explaining the connotations of the words you selected.

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6. Your conclusion sentence should complete your thoughts about diction and lead into the next paragraph detail.

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Writing a Detail Paragraph

1. Remember that detail means the specifics in the story. This may include the time and place as well as any details that appeal to the sense of sight, hearing, taste, touch or smell.

Look back at The Rattler and underline 6 details.

Then, write an explanation that connects the details to the tone.

Detail (usually 2-8 words)Explanation

After sunset, I walked out into the desertThe darkness makes the narrator more vulnerable to danger.

2. Before you start the detail paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This sentence should include the word detail, sensory detail, or imagery and focus on how the authors description contributes to the tones in the story.

Example: The detail increases the sense of danger the narrator feels when he sees the snake.

Please write your topic sentence now.

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3. The next part of the sentence follows the same pattern as the diction paragraph. You will write one example sentence with two phrases from your chart. They must be in quotation marks and part of a complete sentence. Then, please add two more sentences that explain the connotation of the words.

Example: The confrontation between the man and the snake begins after sunset when the man [walks] out into the desert alone and sees the rattler in his path. Although he is alone and vulnerable to danger, he acts quickly before darkness takes over. He shows great courage.Special Note: Sometimes you will need to change one or more of the words in your quote so that it can make sense in the example sentence. In this case, put the changed word in brackets [ ].

Please write your first detail chunk below.

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4. Next, please write an example sentence with two quotes from the middle to end of the story followed by two sentences explaining the value of the setting details.

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5. Your conclusion sentence should complete your thoughts about detail and lead into the next paragraph the point of view.

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Writing a Point of View Paragraph

1. Remember that point of view means the perspective of the person telling the story. First person and third person limited points of view usually have stronger tones than third person omniscient. Look back at The Rattler. Draw a box around the phrases that explain the thoughts and feelings of the narrator. Then, write six of these phrases below.

PhrasesExplanation

My first instinct was to let him go his way and I would go mineThe man is not aggressive and really did not want to hurt the snake.

2. Before you start the point of view paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This sentence should include the specific point of view in the story and focus on how this type of narrator contributes to the tones.

Example: The first person point of view conveys the mans sense of responsibility to the others on the ranch.

Please write your topic sentence now.

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3. The next part of the sentence is a chunk similar to the diction and detail paragraphs. You will write one example sentence with two phrases from your chart. They must be in quotation marks and part of a complete sentence. Then, please add two more sentences that explain the how the point of view is important for the tone. Remember to put any words that you change in brackets.

Example: When the man saw the snake, [his] first instinct was to let [the snake] go his way and [the man] would go [his] because he has never felt obliged to kill an animal. The man is not aggressive and really doesnt want to hurt the snake. He has a strong respect for life.

Please write an example sentence with two phrases that show the narrators feelings at the beginning of the story followed by two sentences explaining the narrators perspective.

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4. Next, please write an example sentence with two quotes from the middle to end of the story followed by two sentences explaining the narrators perspective at the end.

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5. Your conclusion sentence should reflect on the narrators development.

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The Organization Paragraph 1. The concept of an authors organization, structure, or form is difficult to master because there is no set formula to follow. As you read, watch for a broader pattern in the piece of writing. Then, when you notice a framework or structure, you must identify it and analyze why the author chose to write it that way.2. The following is a starting point to learn to recognize organization. Watch for the following.a. The beginning or ending of the passage

b. A particular sequence (order that is important)

c. A noticeable chronology

d. Any literary techniques that stand out

e. An emphasis on any one part

f. A shift in tone from one section to the next

g. Any transitions the author uses to make the organization evident to the reader3. The process of studying organization is different from the earlier sections of the unit. First, you will divide the passage into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. There is no one right place to divide it as long as you can support the division logically.

4. Look over The Rattler. Put slashes (/) to divide the piece into three sections. Then, fill in the chart below.

SectionWhat happens?Tone

Beginning

Middle

End

4. Before you start the organization paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This topic sentence is different from the others you have written so far. It will follow this pattern:

The organization moves the piece from _____ to _____ and finally to _____.

The words that go into the blanks will describe the tone of each section.Example: The organization of the piece moves from calm to violence and finally to reflection.

Please write your topic sentence now.

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5. Once you identify the authors organization, you will summarize or paraphrase each section in your example sentence. Quotes are not necessary.

Example: In the beginning, the man encounters a snake unexpectedly.6. Follow your summary of the section with two sentences of commentary. In the organization paragraph, the commentary analyzes the significance of the summary and discusses why the author uses this organization. For organization paragraphs, you will need three chunks because there are three sections in the story.

Example: In the beginning, the man encounters a snake unexpectedly. This accidental confrontation disrupts the serenity of his afternoon walk and foreshadows the future violence. The author uses this random meeting to emphasize the conflict between nature and civilization.Please write your chunk for the beginning below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please write your chunk for the middle below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please write your chunk for the end below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Your conclusion sentence should be a final thought about why the author uses this organization.Example: The organization of The Rattler makes the reader feel a part of the violent interaction and contributes to the overall suspense of the story.

Please write your conclusion sentence below.

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The Syntax Paragraph 1. In syntax analysis, you will be looking for the following:a. Specific phrasing patters (parallel structure)

b. Length of sentences (long or short)

c. Divisions within the piece with different syntax for each section

d. Different sentence types (simple, compound, complex, periodic)

e. Specific kinds of punctuation (dashes, parenthesis, semicolons)

f. Repetition

g. Rhetorical questions

2. Like in the organization paragraph, you will divide the story into three sections. You may use the same divisions if you want. Then, make note of an important element of syntax for each section.

SectionSyntaxTone

Beginning

Middle

End

3. Before you start the organization paragraph, you need a topic sentence. This topic sentence is similar to the topic sentence for the organization paragraph. It will follow this pattern:

The syntax moves from _____ to _____ and finally to _____.

The words that go into the blanks will describe the overall type of writing you observe.Example: The syntax moves from short thoughtful phrases to longer and more complex sentences and finally to controlled reflections.Please write your topic sentence below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Once you identify the authors syntax, you will write your example sentence. You may use quotes, but they are not always necessary. Your example sentences describe the syntax at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the selection..

Example: In the beginning, the first two sentences are followed by ellipses points.5. Follow your example sentence with two sentences of commentary. In the syntax paragraph, the commentary analyzes the significance of the grammar, punctuation and sentence structure and relates back to the tone. For syntax paragraphs, you will need three chunks because there are three sections in the story.

Example: In the beginning, the first two sentences are followed by ellipses points. This suggests that the narrator is thinking deeply about his surroundings. He is taking in the scene and contemplating its beauty. Please write your chunk for the beginning below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please write your chunk for the middle below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please write your chunk for the end below.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Your conclusion sentence should be a final thought about why the author uses this type of syntax.Example: The authors syntax, though always controlled, reflects the changing emotions of the protagonist.

Please write your conclusion sentence below.

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The Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph can be short very short. In fact, one or two sentences is acceptable. Simply write an overall statement about the tone and style. Be sure to show an appreciation for the authors piece.

Example: The authors style reflects the narrators determination to protect the people on the ranch even though he feels conflicted about hurting the snake. This story has a beautiful message about preserving life.Please write your conclusion paragraph below.

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Great Work!

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