Approach to Literature

Critical Reading and Writing

Critical Reading

▪ Engage and set a purpose

▪ Question– What is stated?– What exists beyond the surface/implied?– What info is needed for inferences?– What biases/perspectives exists?– What conclusions are formed as to meaning?

Read to Assess

▪ Meaning– Interpretation of work

▪ Value of ideas presented– Use/effects of language▪ Connotation/Denotation▪ Tone▪ Point of view▪ Structure▪ Style▪ Nature of themes

Reader Response Strategies

▪ Many ways to respond to text– Glossing/Annotating– Brainstorming to Questioning– Free Writing– Journal Writing– Dialectical Journals– Think Writing

Glossing/Annotating

▪ 1st Read: Overview/Understanding

▪ 2nd Read: Notes/Thoughts

▪ Annotating = Notes (underline, circle, margin notes, highlight, etc.)

Brainstorming to Questioning

▪ Very informal

▪ Unconcerned with conventions

▪ Broad overview in brainstorm

▪ Use brainstorm to craft questions

Free Writing

▪ Slightly more formal than brainstorming

▪ Structure/format inconsequential

▪ Unconcerned with conventions

Journal Writing

▪ More structured than free write

▪ Often in response to prompt

▪ May center on any number of topics from character to language to non-fiction relationships

Dialectical Journal

▪ Moves beyond summary

▪ Two column journal– Left side: facts, key points, quotes– Right side: responses, feelings, associations, questions,

comparisons, interpretations

Think Writing

▪ Formal response

▪ Paragraph/Multi-paragraph format

▪ Concerned with conventions/objective measureables

When Analyzing Lit, Always Remember…

ALL literature represents:

▪ A moment in history/culture

▪ A moment in writer’s life

▪ A moment in reader’s life

ALWAYS return to primary work to justify analysis

Writing Process

▪ Stages– Prewriting: planning/brainstorming– Shaping: organize brainstorm into outline/planning– Drafting: focus on organization/development/fluency– Revise/Edit: sharpen language, sentence structure, style;

rearrange/delete for clarity– Proofread: check grammar, spelling, punctuation– Final Draft

Role of Peer Evaluator

▪ Provide initial reaction: emotional response to work or parts of work

▪ Indicate organizational strengths/weaknesses– Outline for understanding

▪ Provide Evaluative Response (see handout)

Types of Literature-based Essay

▪ Response

▪ Explication

▪ Compare/Contrast

▪ Argumentative

▪ Critical Analysis

▪ Evaluation/Review

▪ Research

Response Essay

▪ Reader’s emotional response

▪ May relate to specific element of story or to more broad overview

Explication Essay

▪ Careful analysis of work for meaning

▪ Sequential movement through text

▪ Analyze aspect of work/technique that create theme

Compare/Contrast Essay

▪ Can compare, contrast, or do both

▪ Two main organizational patterns– Block/Side-by-Side:▪ Treats first one text, then the other in successive paragraphs▪ Can limit effectiveness; confuse reader

– Alternating/Point-by-Point:▪ Each of body paragraphs presents treatment of key topic in both

works

Argumentative Essay

▪ Presents point of view, opinion/position, reasons, supporting evidence

▪ Counterargument(s) needed

▪ See handout for common organization

Critical Analysis Essay

▪ Analyze literary work based on single principle, i.e: – Theme– Character– Style– Specific technique

▪ Isolate single level or work and analyze function and impact

Evaluation/Review Essay

▪ Focus on determining effectiveness of work

▪ See handout for common organization

Research Essay

▪ Involves searching beyond text for info that expands understanding

▪ Can explore:– Biographical– Historical/Cultural/Political/Philosophical/Sociological background– Reading of criticism on work– Reading of specific form of literary criticism (Legacies, App. B,

pg. 1350)

Things to Consider…

▪ Critical Reading – What is it?

▪ Connotation/Denotation

▪ Tone

▪ Point-of-View

▪ Structure

▪ Style

▪ Theme

▪ Annotation– Order of…

▪ Literature represents…

▪ The Writing Process is…

▪ Peer Evaluator - What the heck do I do?