Introduction to Literary Analysis Assignment

 Assignment: Introduction to Writing a Literary Analysis

 Objective:

This assignment aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of literary analysis. Students will practice identifying key literary elements and providing a brief analysis supported by textual evidence.

 Instructions:

1. Choose a Passage: Select a short passage (no more than 200 words) from a piece of literature you have recently read. It can be a novel, short story, poem, or play.

2. Identify Literary Elements: Identify at least two literary elements in the passage. These could include:

   - Characterization

   - Theme

   - Symbolism

   - Imagery

   - Literary Devices (metaphor, simile, foreshadowing, etc.)

3. Write a Brief Analysis: For each identified element, write a brief paragraph (4-5 sentences) analyzing its significance in the passage. Explain how it contributes to the overall meaning or impact of the text.

 Example:

Passage: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." - Charles Dickens, *A Tale of Two Cities*

Analysis:

1. Theme:

   - Element: Contradiction

   - Analysis: In this passage, Dickens uses the theme of contradiction to highlight the paradoxical nature of the era. The juxtaposition of "the best of times" and "the worst of times" underscores the extreme disparities in society during the French Revolution. This contrast sets the stage for the novel's exploration of dualities and conflicts, emphasizing the complexity of human experience during times of upheaval.

2. Literary Device:

   - Element: Parallelism

   - Analysis: The use of parallelism in the passage ("it was the...") creates a rhythmic and emphatic effect. This repetition not only reinforces the contrasting themes but also engages the reader through its lyrical quality. The parallel structure mirrors the repetitive cycles of history and human behavior, suggesting that wisdom and foolishness, good and bad, coexist in every era.

 Submission:

- Submit your selected passage and written analysis in a document.

- Ensure your analysis is clear, concise, and supported by specific examples from the text.

 Grading Criteria:

- Identification of Elements (20%): Correctly identifies at least two literary elements.

- Depth of Analysis (40%): Provides insightful and well-supported analysis for each element.

- Clarity and Coherence (20%): Writes clearly and logically, making the analysis easy to follow.

- Use of Textual Evidence (20%): Supports analysis with specific quotes or examples from the passage.

 Due Date:

- Submit your assignment by [insert due date here].

 Tips for Success:

- Close Reading: Pay careful attention to the details in the passage.

- Focus: Concentrate on the significance of the elements you choose to analyze.

- Be Concise: Keep your analysis focused and to the point, avoiding unnecessary summary.

- Proofread: Review your work for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

By completing this assignment, students will gain a foundational understanding of literary analysis and the skills needed to interpret and discuss literary texts critically.