Analyzing Literature on Three Levels

Aim: How can we determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text?

HW: Complete reading, annotations and chart

Every literary work can be examined in several ways.

We can look at the events in the works (what the characters do, what the plot points are) as they occur, without adding any interpretation.

we can look at what the events and words represent,

interpreting what occurs or the words chosen for their

deeper, hidden meanings and for the themes they offer.

we can look at the events, words, and themes as they

compare to our lives and our world today.

We call the second level of analysis the FIGURATIVE level.

On this level, we examine the words and images in the work to see

what they represent beyond their literal meanings. For example,

while our nation's flag is a made of red, white, and blue fabric,

its colors and its stars represent a greater idea than mere fabric.

We call the first level of analysis the LITERAL level.

In this level, we examine what happens in the story or poem (the plot points)

without adding any interpretation about the MEANING of those events.

In other words, we're looking at everything for deeper meaning.

This is the level where we look for symbols, metaphors, personification,

and other common literary elements (FIGURATIVE language) chosen by

the author/poet to make a point beyond the literal.

In other words, we take the work at face value--what it says LITERALLY.

A a

IS

.

A a symbol of

COULD BE

.

So, if we're analyzing the story of Cinderella on the literal level,

we would say that it's about a girl with a wicked stepmother and

wicked stepsisters who make her do all of the household chores, until

a fairy godmother comes along and provides a way for Cinderella to go

to the ball at the palace. At the dance,Cindy captivates the Prince but has

to leave at midnight because the magic wears off. She leaves behind a glass

slipper (which, unlike the rest of the magic, does not disappear). The Prince

hunts down the owner of the glass slipper, finds Cindy, and they live

happily ever after.

If we're analyzing the story of Cinderella on the figurative level,

we might take a closer look at that glass slipper. Why something so fragile as glass? Does it symbolize the fragile nature of true love, or perhaps the easily broken illusion of Cinderella masquerading as a princess? What about those mice-turned-footmen and the pumpkin-turned-coach? Are these metaphors indicating that the best things in life are the simplest ones? And what about the theme that magic saves the day or the theme that a woman without a prince of a man is worthless? As you can see, there is plenty of room for interpretation of these items.

We call the third level of analysis the RELATIONAL level.

On this level, we examine the work's ideas in terms of how they

compare to our world and our lives today. For example, we might

talk about how a centuries-old story of unrequited love still has relevance for us today because we can all remember being rejected by another.

In other words, we can all RELATE the events in the works to our own lives and to the "bigger picture" of the rest of the world, the rest of humanity, etc. This is the level that looks at the significance of a work's ideas.

A is a reminder that is always a possibility and that

no one should give up hope. The possibility will endure and will preserve humankind.

If we're analyzing the story of Cinderella on the relational level,

we might examine the "bigger picture" aspects of how this story might

perpetuate the concept that women are helpless and must be rescued,

either by some whim of fate (the fairy godmother) or by a powerful man.

Has this story planted the idea into the minds of young women that they

can't be self-reliant? If so, how has that affected their self-images, their

relationships, and their lives?

As you can see, there is always a lot more

to a work than what sits on the surface.

Each level reveals a new layer with new

meanings that can lead to new insights

and a better understanding of what a

work holds for you. So, keep searching!

"Cut"- Bob Greene

This is a short coming of age piece that is written using vignettes.

Vignette- A short, well written scene. It does not have a plot, but it does reveal something about the elements in it. It may reveal character, mood or tone. It may have a theme or idea of its own the author wants to convey. It is the description of the scene or character that is important.