H4 literary analysis

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

PTO/PTA 

PTA

H4 literary analysis - the project

*3 books (Tyrell + 2 from list on elo)

*assignments on all three books (kept in red lit. file for H5)

*H4 week 10: writing test on 2 books (NOT TYRELL, 2x)

*H5: read 3 more books + assignments: SE literature

literary analysis using basic terms (1)

1)Genre: What kind of book is it? (Historical fiction? Nonfiction? Fantasy? Adventure?Coming-of-age? etc.) 

2)Title: What does the title mean? Why did the writer choose this title, is it a reference to something/someone in the novel?

literary analysis using basic terms (2)

3) Setting: the time and place the story occurs. 

Can you explain what makes the setting important for the story? Could it happen elsewhere?

Is it set in the world we know or is it a fantastical world?

Is it mostly realistic with elements of fantasy (animals that can talk, for example)?

Is the setting unclear and fuzzy, or can you easily make the movie in your mind?

How much does the author draw you into the setting and how does s/he accomplish that? 
 

 

literary analysis using basic terms (3)

4) Theme(s): What is the book really about (central ideas or moral = lessons)? Some common themes include: love, friendship, hope, change, desire to escape, facing a challenge, heroism, the quest for power and human weaknesses....

Sometimes a book will have a moral 
 

literary analysis using basic terms (4)

5)Characters: Who are the main characters? Can you describe them, their qualities, weaknesses, their connection with each other? What conflicts do they face? 

 

Types of conflicts that may be identified        (6)

1. Character vs. Character(s) 

2. Character vs. Society 

3. Character vs. Nature

4. Character vs. Technology

5. Character vs. Supernatural

6. Character vs. Fate

7. Character vs. Self

literary analysis using basic terms (7)

6)Plot: Storyline or the sequence of connected events in the novel. ( link this to the summary you have to write and think about how the novel is structured - chronologically or with a lot of flashbacks and forwards)

Generally, a plot in fiction builds up to a climax (turning point) and ends in a resolution at the finish of the story. 

 

(8)

literary analysis using basic terms (9)

7)Point of view: Who tells the story - is this someone who is involved in the story or an omniscient narrator?

And what about the author: Why was it written (to educate, to amuse, to shock, to inform the reader)?

 

literary analysis using basic terms (10)

7)Opinion: write a personal evaluation - was it interesting / difficult to read? Would you recommend this novel to your friends / a specific audience? Use all aspects (themes/conflicts etc.) as well as use of language, tone (mood), length of novel when writing a review.

 

ASSIGNMENTS IN READER

1/2: Genre / theme(s) / setting

3: Characters / conflicts / symbols / tone

How do these elements mentioned above  develop or enhance the theme?

ASSIGNMENTS IN READER

4: setting - how does it affect the plot or the conflict

5: Characters: their strengths, their flaws, their motivations

6:Review:  general analysis of themes, plotline, characters, dialogue, and use of literary devices (like metaphors or cliffhangers), comparison to other books, recommendation

GOOD REVIEW introduction

Introduction paragraph

*summarizes the plot

*includes the reviewer’s thesis statement: what is your opion of this book?  

GOOD REVIEW body

Several body paragraphs (for example)

*one that discusses the book’s themes

*one that discusses the book’s characters

*one that discusses the book’s plot or use of language

GOOD REVIEW conclusion

Last paragraph: conclusion 

*summarizes the points made in the body paragraphs 

*shares final thoughts the reviewer has about the book. It may include a rating, like giving the book three stars out of five.

useful phrases

 Title, Author: The book is written by ...

Setting: The story takes place in ... / The novel is set in ...

Characters: The main characters are ... / The story is about .... /The novel tells the story of ...

useful phrases

Plot: In the course of the novel the ....../ The novel begins with...  /The novel has an unexpected ending.

Use linking words: like....first of all, secondly, finally, also,  as a result,  then later, after that, during etc.

Giving opinion: I find..... / in my opinion .../ I would (n't) recommend