Literary Response and Style Analysis

1. Literary Response and Style Analysis • Both works focus on meaning and purpose. • Literary Response develops meaning and purpose through a discussion of the connection between literary elements (character, plot, setting, theme, etc.) and meaning and purpose. • Style Analysis develops meaning and purpose through a discussion of the connection between writer’s style (diction, details, syntax, language, etc.) and purpose and meaning. • Keep in mind … • A discussion of elements and style will most likely overlap in both writings.

2. Writing a Literary Response or Style Analysis Introduction • Option #1 • Do no lead with the literature. • Present the theme of the essay. • End with a thesis that identifies the literature, the author, and the purpose of the paper. • (Student Sample) A sense of uneasiness in humans is often an unavoidable part of life. Many times, this sense of anxiety can lead to overwhelming feelings of unrest. This human condition of concern and restlessness is presented in a passage in the chapter “Painted Faces and Long Hair” in the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

3. Writing a Style Analysis Introduction • Option #1 (Student Sample) • Man’s relationship with nature must be one of respect. When in conflict with nature, however, man must sometimes choose between his desire to respect nature and his need to protect himself and those for whom he is a guardian. In “The Rattler,” the author conveys not only a feeling of remorse but also a feeling of resignation.

4. Writing a Style Analysis Introduction • Option #2: (Student Sample) • The author’s techniques used in “The Rattler” convey not only a feeling of sadness and remorse but also a sense of the man’s acceptance of the snake’s impending death. A human being has confronted nature, and in order for him to survive, the snake must be killed. The reader feels sympathy for the man’s plight and a reluctant agreement with him for his decision. • Focus is on the text and the purpose of the essay. • Reference to Author’s Techniques to develop tone. • Specific techniques are not mentioned but can be and are sometimes recommended. • The author’s use of diction and point of view in “The Rattler” convey …. • Summary statement • Reader’s response

5. Literary Response Introduction Example on Character • Option #2 • (Plot) Summary sentence focusing the reader on the scene. • (Analysis/Thesis) Two or more sentences that connect the scene to meaning and clearly focus on the purpose of the essay. • In Book 24 of The Odyssey, Odysseus is reunited with his son, Telemachus, who is now a young man. As father and King, Odysseus expects his son to acquiesce and to abide by the rules he establishes. In contrast to Odysseus’ assumptions, Telemachus confronts his father as a strong contender and a potential leader.

6. Read Before You Write • On what should you focus? • Key Words • Patterns • Purpose and Meaning • Tones • Choose ONE of the following entries: Journal #8, Journal #9, or Journal #10, and write an introductory paragraph in which you clearly address the topic of the entry. • Complete your work on the left side of the page of your composition book, across from your original work.

7. Body Paragraphs - Proving Your Point • Find examples in the text. • (Example)What words in the quote prove your point? Always consider diction. • (Analysis)What is significant about the quote? Explain the connotation of each key word or phrase. Consider the quote’s effect on elements of plot, characterization or theme.

8. Excerpt from The Odyssey • “Soon enough, father,” his gallant son replied. “You’ll sense the courage inside me, that I know - I’m hardly a flighty, weak-willed boy these days.”

9. Proving Your Point in the Body Paragraph on Character • Thesis:In contrast to Odysseus’ assumptions, Telemachus confronts his father as a strong contender and a potential leader. • In this passage, Telemachus speaks with pride and new-found confidence, proclaiming himself a man along-side his father. “Soon enough,” Telemachus declares, confirming his belief in himself. He wants his father to know that he is unafraid of the suitors and that his courage will show itself before too long. While Telemachus’ words suggest time, they do not show hesitation; instead, they assert what will be. The narrator affirms Telemachus’ voice as he describes Telemachus as “gallant.” This connection to chivalry likens Telemachus in stature to his heroic father. That Telemachus is ready to stand as an equal to his father is made clear to Odysseus, as well as to the reader.

10. Style Analysis Focus • Notice the similarity to the previous paragraph. • Remember: it is not what you say, but HOW you say it that guides your reader. • Through diction, Homer stresses Telemachus’ new-found confidence, proclaiming himself a man along-side his father. “Soon enough” confirms Telemachus’ belief in himself. He wants his father to know that he is unafraid of the suitors and that his courage will show itself before too long. While Telemachus’ words suggest time, they do not show hesitation; instead, they assert what will be. …

11. Working with Phrasing of Commentary • Random Example: • Very Weak: • This part of the passage states a sense of brightness in contrast to the storm that has subsided. With the sky being lit by the stars, it gives off a light where hope and a new beginning is shown. • Much Improved: • The brightness of the heavens is in contrast to the storm that has subsided. The sky is lit by the stars, illuminating the shore, offering hope and a new beginning.

12. 1. Write a topic sentence for a body paragraph that might follow the introduction you wrote on Journal #8, Journal #9, or Journal 10. • 2. Following the topic sentence write a quotation sentence. • 3. Write two or three sentences in which you clearly connect the quote to the topic sentence, thereby, re-enforcing your thesis. • Complete your work on the left side of the page of your composition book, across from your original work.

13. Write a closing sentence for your unfinished paragraph. • Recall the sample body paragraph: • Topic Sentence: In this passage, Telemachus speaks with pride and new-found confidence, proclaiming himself a man along-side his father. • Concluding Sentence: That Telemachus is ready to stand as an equal to his father is made clear to Odysseus, as well as to the reader.