Analysis=Amazing.
Analysis=Awe-inspiring.
Analysis="A" level thinking.
Ok, let's start with the basics:
1. When you analyze, you must say something that can be disagreed with.
2. The more thought-provoking, original, and surprising the analysis, the better.
3. The key is supporting your argument with text. In literary analyses, the support comes from the text you are analyzing. In media analysis, the support comes from the ad.
4. The closer you study the text, the better. Question every word choice, every sentence structure, every literary device. Assume there is meaning under the surface.
5. Summary=death of analysis. Your analysis dies a long, slow death when you summarize. Don't do it.
Now I want you to try to analyze some element of ATOTC. Respond to the prompt on the slip of paper you pulled by diving into the text, studying relevant quotes, and then assembling your insights into a coherent argument about the topic. Make us think. Make us want to argue with you--but, of course, we will eventually be persuaded by your keen use of the text. No matter what you do, TAKE A STAND. Teach us something that we didn't get just from reading the text. Make connections between quotes. Question word choices. Push surface conclusions.
This is where the fun begins. Sure, we could discuss the plot all day long, but analysis is where we begin to see how literature is art.
Good luck.
No comments:
Post a Comment