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Syllabus Overview

Assessment Criteria

Individual Oral

Stylistic Choices (non-literary)

2. Stylistic Choices

Fundamental question to consider when studying literature, or when studying any form of art: Why should we care about characters or events that are fictional and not real?

To summarize, what fiction provides is theme, any idea or concept central to a work of art. Even though the plot—the physical, literal events of a story—is fictional, the theme is very much relevant in the real world.

For instance, the Harry Potter series contains numerous details—spells, potions, magical creatures—that do not portray the world in which we live. However, the fictional plot of Harry Potter offers depictions of love and death which are certainly important, meaningful aspects of our world.

In other words, the theme connects a fictional story to our world. Ask yourself, What can I find in this story that is meaningful in real life? There is NO single right answer to this question. Even the same idea can be expressed in different words or phrases. Any aspect of life that concerns us humans and is implied by the plot can be considered a theme. A literary work does NOT explicitly state its themes; instead, it uses the plot to show its themes.

Since a literary work conveys multiple themes, perhaps the best way to approach literature is to identify two or three overarching themes and examine the ways in which key characters, scenes, and symbols link to these themes.

This type of critical thinking leads us to literary analysis. The first time you read a literary work, you are focused on tracking the plot; in order to analyze the themes and the ways that the themes are portrayed, it is essential to read the literary work for a second or even third time.

List of common themes

Depictions of themes in works of fiction

The Harry Potter series explores the theme of death, specifically the fear of death which exists in all humans, even in those who are capable of using magic. The Philosopher’s Stone can extend life indefinitely while wizards who fear death can choose to become ghosts when they die. Voldemort creates Horcruxes to prevent death while the Hallows represent the way Harry accepts death as a natural course.

Literary Terms

Character

Point of View

Narrative

Figurative Language

Poetry Terms and Sound Devices

4. Literary Terms

Annotating a non-literary passage

1. Begin with fundamental details → writer, title, text type, context, topic

What information is provided about the writer?

To what extent do the details of when and where the passage was published affect its contents?

Expressed in as few words as possible, what is the topic?

2. Identify the purpose of the passage

What is the passage trying to say or achieve regarding its topic?

3. Consider the target audience, whether or not it plays a significant role in the purpose

4. Identify the attitude or perspective of the writer

How would you describe the tone? → e.g. emotional or neutral; positive or negative; appreciative or critical; light-hearted or serious

5. Consider whether or not the passage has a secondary, or even tertiary, purpose

If so, how does this additional purpose connect to the primary purpose?

6. Return to the originally identified purpose, and elaborate or clarify as needed

7. Find specific stylistic choices, using the following guidelines

Literature Paper 1

Example: literary analysis

1. General observation

2. Author’s name and title of the piece in relation to the General observation

3. Thesis statement

Breaking down each step

1. General observation (Zoom out. What’s the big picture? What is the text about from a broad, thematic perspective? Consider the author’s purpose)

2. Author’s name and title of the piece in relation to the General observation

3. Thesis statement (how your analysis connects to the thesis)

Atmosphere has a way of transporting us to depths of our imagination, allowing readers to journey beyond the confines of their own reality and explore new emotional landscapes, cultures, and experiences. In Amit Chaudhuri's novel "A Strange and Sublime Address," Chaudhuri paints a scene that transports readers to the domestic setting of a family in Kolkata while also cultivating an atmosphere of resignation toward government inefficiencies. Through descriptive language, vivid imagery, and subtle symbolism, Chaudhuri creates an immersive experience that captivates the senses and evokes a range of emotions in the reader.

6. Essay Organization w/ Sample Paragraphs