Assignment 3: Literature Analysis
Subject
Writing
Question Description
Write an analytic response (minimum: 500 words) to a fictional story (no poetry) from our Lesson 3 readings. See Sub-Lessons 3-1 to 3-8 for the readings that will qualify for this assignment.
An analytic response focuses on the deeper meaning as opposed to a summary. An analysis includes identifying the setting, purpose, symbolism, and theme(s) of a piece of writing to grasp the underlying meaning. (These literary terms are explained below.)
Read the story several times. Take notes on its themes, characters, setting, plot, and so on. Be sure the notes include looking beyond the surface to the deeper meaning the author is trying to relay. Include how the author’s message and the themes then impact setting, characters, plot, and so on. An analysis also looks at why the meaning is important.
Do NOT summarize or re-tell the story. Remember that your audience has already read it! The majority of the essay must move beyond summary to analysis.
Here is an outline (WORD and PDF) that you can use to help you structure and organize your paper.
Explanation of Literary Terms
Setting – The setting is where and when the story takes place.
Purpose – What was the author hoping to accomplish or communicate in writing this story?
Symbolism - A symbol is a character, place, thing or event that stands for something else, often an abstract idea.
Theme - A theme is a general message or insight into life revealed through a literary work. It is basically what the writer suggests about people or life.