textual analysis Flashcards
textual analysis
def
= the process of ascertaining how meaning is constructed through language
structure of an introduction
- opening line (why the topic matters)
- the basics (topic, author, year of publication, context)
- thesis statement (purpose of the text, how is message is constructed using stylistic features)
structure of a body paragraph in textual analysis
- point (a claim about how meaning is constructed through a stylistic feature)
- evidence (supports the claim)
- explain (analysis of how the evidence supports the claim)
- link (connect to thesis statement and author’s purpose)
structure of a conclusion
- restate the author’s purpose and the text’s message
- key features (how stylistic features were instrumental in achieving this purpose)
- repeat the text’s main message and why it’s meaningful
key elements of textual analysis
- identification of authorial choices (+ textual evidence)
- purpose of authorial choices in conveying meaning
- effects, implications on the reader’s experience
writing a main claim
- Identify the topic
- What does the author claim about the topic?
- How does the author use language to support the main claim?
how is meaning constructed through text?
its context, audience, purpose, style and structure
CAMPS
context of a text
when and where writers write (context of composition), readers read (context of interpretation)
audience in constructing meaning
how readers read
what is the meaning of a text?
main ideas, messages, topics, themes of a text
what is the purpose of a text?
why writers write (achieved by evoking emotional responses, personal connections, shock, outrage, …)
what is the structure and style of a text?
how writers write (authorial choices)
PIE paragraph structure
- POINT ⇒ make a point about the purpose and style of the text
- ILLUSTRATION ⇒ illustrate the stylistic features, authorial choices
- EXPLANATION ⇒ explain how the features contribute to the meaning of the text and achieves the writer’s purpose
tone vs mood
defs, expressed/created with
tone = the way the author expresses their attitude through his writing, expressed by use of syntax, your POV, diction, level of formality
mood = the general atmosphere or emotional complexion; the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader, created by the setting, atmosphere, imagery, word choice and tone of the author
stylistic analysis includes the study of
- phonology
- graphology
- morphology
- syntax
- lexis
- figures of speech
