Lesson 1: Introduction to Literary Analysis & Close Reading Lesson Objectives Define literary analysis and its purpose. Practice close reading strategies for poetry and prose. Identify literary elements and devices (theme, charac
Lesson 1: Introduction to Literary Analysis & Close Reading Lesson Objectives Define literary analysis and its purpose. Practice close reading strategies for poetry and prose. Identify literary elements and devices (theme, character, symbolism, etc.). Annotate a short literary text for analysis. Materials Ms. Peer Editor Videos Short Story: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker Poems: "Let America Be America Again" and “Harlem” by Langston Hughes Activities Video Response: Define literary analysisLinks to an external site., close readingLinks to an external site., and "six tips for literary analysis"Links to an external site. from the video lessons. Based on the video interview of author Alice Walker (watch to min. 7:43)Links to an external site., discuss the importance of literary interpretation (the how and why of literature), not just the words on the page. Close Reading Practice – Short Story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker: Read and annotate "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. Annotate by highlighting examples of imagery, symbolism, tone, and theme in the textLinks to an external site. (audio versionLinks to an external site.). Watch a video interpretationLinks to an external site. of the short story and take notes. Answer guided questions: What patterns or repeated images do you see? How do they appear? Why do you think they are important? What conflict drives the story? What do you think Walker is trying say? What do you think the characters represent? Why? Close Reading Practice – Poems "Let America Be America Again" and "Harlem" by Langston Hughes: Read and annotate Hughes's poems "Let America Be America Again"Links to an external site. and "Harlem"Links to an external site.. Discussion post: Who are all of the speakers in "Let America Be America Again"Links to an external site. and "Harlem"Links to an external site.? Do you think the characters have similar values? Explain why or why not? What is the central tension or question of each poem? What textual evidence or claims do you have from the poems or from historyLinks to an external site. to support your claim? How many literary devices did you notice throughout in each poem (Click for specific literary devices: Let America Be America AgainLinks to an external site.and HarlemLinks to an external site.)? Give an example of one literary device you find in each poem and explain why you think Hughes may have used that device. Journal Reflection Complete a free write for 20 minutes (timerLinks to an external site.) about a personal connection with or reflection on one of the three pieces of literature in this module: "Everyday Use," "Let America Be America Again," or "Harlem." Optional prompts: Why do you think Mama gives Maggie the quilt instead of Dee? How do you think Dee rejects her heritage even as she tries to reclaim it? Why do you think Hughes writes in multiple voices in "Let America Be..."? Is it effective? Why or why not? What do you think Hughes meant when he titled his poem "Harlem"? Do you think "Harlem" is a reflection or a warning? Did Hughes intend it to be a statement of the past or a prophecy of the future? Why and/or why not? What connections do you find between the story or poems from the last century to now? How have these pieces of writing impacted you?
