Analyzing Fiction, Poetry, Drama 1: Identify Subject Subgenr

Analyzing Fiction Poetry Drama 1 Identify Subject Subgenre Conte

Identify Subject, Subgenre, Context—what’s it about? What form of fiction/poem/drama is it (horror/sonnet/comedy etc.)? What is text’s cultural situation? 2. Identify Setting—what is time, place, atmosphere? 3. Identify Characterization—What is character/speaker like? How is character/speaker presented? 4. Identify Structure—How is plot/poem arranged? 5. Identify Literary Devices—what allusions, images, symbols etc appear? 6. Identify Word Usage—what is vocabulary level (formal, informal, slang)? 7. Identify Tone—what is author’s attitude toward subject? 8. Identify Narrative Perspective—What PoV is used? (For drama, whose story is privileged?)

Essay Types The Evaluation Essay Standards of Evaluation 1. Aesthetic Evaluation: —Deals with conceptions of beauty (physical & otherwise). —Judgement involves 2 criteria: coherence & comparison. E.g. “Is graffiti an eyesore?” 2. Ethical Evaluation: —Deals with moral perspective. —Judgement may involve religious, moral, ideological issues. E.g. “Is the continued existence of the Canadian senate defensible in the wake of recent scandals?” 3. Logical Evaluation: —Deals with reasoning & evidence in arguments. —Judgement involves assessment of reasoning, evidence, emotional appeals. E.g. “Do you believe Rob Ford’s promises to curtail his recent behavior and return to sound mayoral practice?” 4. Practical Evaluation: —Deals with attainability/feasibility & usefulness. —Judgement involves connecting subject with context/situation. E.g. “Is Ottawa capable of sustaining another CFL franchise?”

Sample Evaluation Essay Topic: “Was the Quebec government justified in implementing Bill 78 that curbs student- protest rights after the mass of student uprisings against tuition-fee increases in spring 2012?”

Standard of Evaluation: Ethical Preliminary Evaluation: PROS CONS —decreased potential for/fear of violence —hampered students’ right to gather —endorsed rights of other population —muzzled free speech segments to unhindered movement —implied antisocial behavior is —encouraged peaceful protest endemic to protest/villainized —lessened potential for property damage all student protesters Choice: YES (Pros outweigh Cons in quantity & quality in writer’s opinion) Tentative Thesis: Given the potential that ongoing student action over tuition-fee increases has to negatively impact the lives of all Quebecers through property damage, restricted movement and a general feeling of unease among those not involved in the dispute, the Quebec government was right to step in and set parameters on student demonstrations, a move that could actually benefit the students’ aims by encouraging peaceful, more convincing protest.

Dealing with Counter-Arguments Refutation It is important to remember that Bill 78 does not deny students’ rights to gather peacefully; demonstration is neither outlawed nor banned by the new law. Concession Though Bill 78 might lead some to imagine that all students are antisocial or violent in their methods, the protection of uninvolved citizens against physical or financial harm by even a single protester outweighs such a potential negative view of any peaceful demonstrators.

Evaluation Outline Introduce both pros & cons, develop points of proof, organize points logically, address counterarguments for fairness.

Paper For Above instruction

The analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama requires a comprehensive exploration of various elements that define and differentiate these literary forms. At its core, understanding a text involves identifying its subject matter, subgenre, and cultural context. For example, determining whether a work is a horror novel, a sonnet, or a comedy helps situate it within a specific literary tradition and offers insight into its thematic concerns. Additionally, recognizing the cultural situation—such as historical period, prevailing societal values, or political climate—provides a richer understanding of the work’s underlying messages and purpose.

Setting plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's or viewer’s experience. Identifying the time frame, geographical location, and atmosphere allows for a nuanced appreciation of how the environment influences characters and plot. For example, a Victorian-era drama set in foggy London imparts a different tone and meaning than a modern-day comedy set in bustling urban centers. The characterization of speakers and characters further deepens the interpretation, revealing their traits, motivations, and relationships. This can be achieved by analyzing how characters are presented through dialogue, actions, and narrative descriptions, providing insight into their inner worlds and societal roles.

The structure of a work, whether it’s the logical sequence of a plot or the organized stanzas of a poem, significantly impacts its meaning. Analyzing how a plot unfolds or how a poem’s stanzas are arranged offers clues to the author’s technique and intentions. Literary devices such as allusions, imagery, and symbols enrich the text, adding layers of meaning and connecting the work to broader cultural or literary traditions. For instance, the use of religious symbolism might evoke themes of morality or redemption, while vivid imagery can create emotional resonance.

Word choice and vocabulary level—formal, informal, slang—also contribute to tone and character portrayal. A formal vocabulary may indicate a serious or authoritative voice, whereas slang might suggest colloquial authenticity or social settings. The tone of the work reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject, which can range from humorous and satirical to somber and reflective. Narrative perspective, whether first person, third person, or dramatic monologue, shapes how the story or theme is presented and perceived.

When evaluating literary works or contentious issues, multiple standards can be employed. Aesthetic evaluation considers beauty and coherence and compares works to cultural ideals. Ethical evaluation focuses on moral implications and societal values; for example, debates over artistic censorship or political protest laws. Logical evaluation assesses reasoning and evidence within arguments, essential in analytical essays. Practical evaluation examines real-world applicability—such as assessing the feasibility of policy measures or social initiatives.

For instance, evaluating the Quebec government’s implementation of Bill 78 involves ethical considerations about balancing public safety and individual rights. Analyzing this law entails weighing its potential to reduce violence against the restriction of peaceful assembly. Supporting arguments may include the need to prevent property damage and maintain order, while counterarguments emphasize the importance of free speech and democratic rights.

Developing a comprehensive evaluation essay involves outlining both pros and cons, providing evidence for each, and considering counter-arguments critically. A balanced presentation enhances objectivity and persuasiveness. Such essays often conclude with a thesis that reflects the most compelling arguments, guiding the reader through a nuanced understanding of complex issues.

References

• Bloom, Harold. (2009). Bloom's Literature: The Major Authors. Bloom's Literary Criticism.
• Genette, Gérard. (1980). Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Cornell University Press.
• Foster, Susan L. (2015). Understanding Literary Devices. Oxford University Press.
• Halliwell, Stephen. (2002). The Evidence of the Imagination: Romanticism in Shakespearian Tragedy. Routledge.
• Lodge, David. (1992). The Art of Fiction. Penguin Books.
• Ross, Steven. (2010). Ethics and Literature. Cambridge University Press.
• Shklovsky, Viktor. (1917). Kazimir Malevich. Art Journal.
• Said, Edward. (1978). Orientalism. Vintage Books.
• Widdowson, Peter. (1975). Texts, context and reader response. London: Methuen.
• Zurawick, Jane. (2014). The Elements of Fiction. Routledge.