In-Depth Analysis 2
Introduction to Short Fiction
In-Depth Analysis
Weight: 20%
Reasons for this Assignment
Practice using literary devices to analyze texts.
Think critically about how fiction is structured.
Show a thorough understanding of class objectives.
Assignment:
Use our class texts and lesson resources to complete the questions below. You may use the same text for multiple sections, but you must use more than one for the assignment. You may also use multiple texts for the same section when specified.
Audience:
I am your audience for this assignment. Show me that you have learned the objectives from class and can use them on your own.
Essay Will Include:
Thorough answers with full sentences for each question.
Specified text(s) for each section.
Quotes from the reading when specified.
Important Dates:
Due: Friday, November 19th by 11:59 PM
Plot
Describe the plot of a chosen text by specifying each main point, including at least three rising actions. You may name more than one falling action, but it is not required.
Text:
Exposition:
Inciting Incident:
Rising actions:
Dilemma:
Climax:
Falling Action(s):
Denouement / Catastrophe / Resolve:
How does the story change by the ending?
What is the pivotal moment that changes the story?
Point of View / Narration
Choose one text and analyze the benefits and restrictions of the point of view.
Text:
How does this point of view benefit the text?
How might this point of view restrict the text?
How would the text be different with another point of view? (Disregard your chosen text’s point of view).
First Person:
Second Person:
Third Person Objective:
Third Person Subjective:
Third Person Omniscient:
Style
Choose one text and specify five stylistic components that make it unique. You may use quotes to clarify your analysis.
Does the style heighten the text? How?
Voice
Choose one text and analyze how the voice is unique.
Text:
How is the voice unique?
Is the voice consistent or does it change depending on the speaker? You must use a quote to show your analysis.
Create an original sentence using the same voice as your chosen quote.
Does the voice enhance the text? How?
Choose another text and critically analyze how it differs from the first one. You must use a quote from each text to display your analysis.
Text:
How does the voice of this text differ from the first one?
Theme
Choose one text and describe the theme according to concept and statement. Note that the statement is often a quote from the text. If using a quote for the statement, you must still explain what it means.
Text:
Thematic Concept:
Thematic Statement:
Why did you choose this text to analyze theme?
Setting
Choose one text and describe the components of its setting.
Text:
Temporal (Time):
Individual (Place):
Environmental (Environment):
How is the setting of this text important? (i.e., how it affects the plot, theme, voice, characters, etc.)
Symbolism
Choose one object or concept from a text and describe its symbolism.
Text:
Object or Concept:
What does it symbolize?
What suggests that this object or concept is symbolic? (i.e., is it mentioned multiple times? Is it important to the characters and/or plot?)
How does this symbolism connect to the text’s theme?
Imagery
Choose a quote from a text that show literal and figurative imagery. You may use more than one text.
Text(s):
Literal imagery quote:
Figurative imagery quote:
How does the literal imagery make the text more engaging?
Why would the author use figurative imagery for this description?
Characters
Name characters who exemplify the seven different types. You may use multiple texts.
Protagonist:
How can you tell?
Antagonist:
How can you tell?
Foil
How can you tell?
Dynamic:
How can you tell?
Static:
How can you tell?
Round:
How can you tell?
Flat:
How can you tell?
Stock:
How can you tell?
Which character do you like most and/or find most interesting from our readings? Why?
What character type is your favorite?
Reflect
What was your favorite text? Why?
What was your least favorite text? Why?
How has learning about literary devices changed the way you interpret fiction?
How can learning to critically interpret fiction apply to skills outside of literature?