Literary Analysis

"Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become."

—C.S. Lewis

Fundamentals

Figurative Language 101 | An understanding of Figurative Language is foundational for Literary Analysis. This activity is helpful for introducing Figurative Language in 9th and 10th grade.

Annotation Guides

TPCASTT - An invaluable mnemonic device to help students analyze poetry. For a detailed how-to, visit the Poetry Analysis page on this site. I have found this especially helpful for building foundational annotating skills in ninth and tenth graders in preparation for AP and IB English courses.

DIFLS - My own approach to DIDLS, a helpful introductory mnemonic device to help students analyze prose. I have found my own adaptation of this method especially helpful for building foundational annotating skills in ninth and tenth graders in preparation for AP and IB English courses. Click here for a blank template.

T-SIFT-T - A mnemonic device to help students analyze prose, designed for students who are experienced in the process.

SOAPSTone - Another acronym to assist students with annotation. This one lends itself best to students who have prior experience or a proficient understanding of literary devices already.

Style Analysis Guides

Writing Guides

Getting Rid of Naked Quotes - An essential aspect of any argumentative writing is being able to purposefully and smoothly incorporate evidence, ideas, quotations, or other arguments into your own writing. To that end, these resources, complied from various sources, is meant to help you help students dress up their "naked quotes."

Style Analysis 4.1-6.pdf

Resources by Literary Works Guides

  • Antigone

  • Arthurian Resources

  • Candide

  • Crime and Punishment

  • Dante

  • A Doll's House

  • Dracula

  • Ender's Game

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh

  • Fahrenheit 451

  • Frankenstein

  • The Great Gatsby

  • Kokoro

  • The Lord of the Flies

  • The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

  • Of Mice and Men

  • Pride and Prejudice

  • Siddhartha

  • Sophocles

  • The Stranger

  • Things Fall Apart

Questions or comments? Contact me.