Grade 9 Unit 10: Analyzing a Text Table of Contents Unit Objectives 2 Lesson 1: Analyzing a Short Story 3 Warm-up! 3 Learn About It! 4 Check Your Understanding 8 Let’s Step Up! 8 Lesson 2: Sample Text Analysis 10 Warm-up! 10 Learn About It! 11 Check Your Understanding 14 Let’s Step Up! 14 Lesson 3: Writing a Text Analysis 15 Warm-up! 15 Learn About It! 16 Check Your Understanding 18 Let’s Step Up! 18 Performance Task 19 Self-Check: How Well Did I Learn? 21 Wrap Up 22 Answer Key to Check Your Understanding 23 Bibliography 24
Transcript
Grade 9 Unit 10: Analyzing a Text
Table of Contents
Unit Objectives 2
Lesson 1: Analyzing a Short Story 3 Warm-up! 3 Learn About It! 4 Check Your Understanding 8 Let’s Step Up! 8
Lesson 2: Sample Text Analysis 10 Warm-up! 10 Learn About It! 11 Check Your Understanding 14 Let’s Step Up! 14
Lesson 3: Writing a Text Analysis 15 Warm-up! 15 Learn About It! 16 Check Your Understanding 18 Let’s Step Up! 18
Performance Task 19
Self-Check: How Well Did I Learn? 21
Wrap Up 22
Answer Key to Check Your Understanding 23
Bibliography 24
GRADE 9 | English
UNIT 10 Analyzing a Text In this unit, you will learn about how to interact with text, specifically a short story. A literary analysis focuses on the interpretation of a piece of literature. One has to examine and evaluate an aspect of a work of literature, draw conclusions from that analysis, and then write an essay.
Unit Objectives
In this unit, you should be able to:
● Organize information in various ways; ● Share personal opinion about the ideas presented in the material read; and ● Compose a Text Analysis.
William Somerset, an English fictionist, said that a short story is a piece of fiction dealing with a single incident that can be read at one sitting. As one reads a short story, he/she may assess whether it is a good short story or not based on the following:
● Can it be read in one sitting? ● Does it combine matter-of-fact description with poetic atmosphere? ● Does it present a unified impression of temper, tone, color, and effect? ● Does it show a decisive moment of life? ● Is the plot not very complex? ● Is there a close connection among the elements present in the short story?
Warm-up!
Think-Pair-Share Recall your favorite short story. Answer the following questions below.
1. Who are the characters in that story? 2. Where and when did the story take place? 3. What is the highlight of that story? 4. What is the message of the story? 5. What makes it your favorite?
In doing an analysis, there are several steps that you should follow. First and foremost, you have to read the assigned text multiple times. Annotate the text to highlight the key details that would be necessary for your analysis. Listed below are the steps to follow in analyzing a short story:
A. Read the short story. ● It is recommended that the short story be read all
the way through at least twice. ● Encircle important, striking, or repeated words. ● Draw lines to connect related ideas. ● Underline confusing words, lines, or, passages.
B. Examine the basic subject.
● Analyze the title of the short story. ● Ask yourself the following questions to analyze the subject of the short story:
a. Who is/are the main characters in the story? b. Where and when did the story take place? c. What is the conflict in the story? d. From whose perspective is the story being told? e. What literary devices were used in developing the plot of the story? f. How were the dialogues delivered? g. What is the message of the story?
● Does the story appeal to your intellect, emotions, or reason?
C. Consider the context of the short story. 1. Is there any historical event relevant to the story? 2. What do you know about the writer? 3. What is the reality at that time and place the story was written? 4. How did the writer’s environment influence the story?
1. Character Character refers to a textual representation of a human being (or occasionally another creature). Characters can be categorized as the following depending on their level of development and the extent to which they change in the course of the story. They can be classified as: protagonist, antagonist, flat character, dynamic, round, and foil.
2. Setting Setting refers to the location, time, and period in which the story takes place. Setting is also one of the primary ways that a fiction writer establishes the mood.
3. Plot Plot refers to the series or sequence of events that give a story its meaning and effect. As the character makes choices and tries to resolve the problem, the story’s action is shaped and plot is generated. In traditional literary terms, a unified plot includes an exposition, a rising action, a climax, a falling action, and a denouement or resolution or conclusion.
4. Point of view This refers to the source and scope of the narrative voice. Point of view is the vantage point from which an author presents a story. It is the standpoint from which something is observed or considered. This is classified as first-person, second-person, third-person omniscient, third-person limited, third-person objective, and third-person subjective.
5. Tone This refers to the mood or attitude that the author creates toward the story’s subject matter and its audience. To determine tone, you have to consider which details are included and which are left out. Examine the language closely, and bring your own experience to the story.
6. Diction Diction is the writer’s choice of words. The author chooses each word carefully so that both its meaning and sound contribute to the tone and feeling of the literary work. A work’s diction forms one of its centrally important literary elements, as writers use words to convey action, reveal character, imply attitudes, identify themes, and suggest values.
7. Style This refers to the language conventions used to construct the story. A fiction writer can manipulate diction, sentence structure, phrasing, dialogue, and other aspects of language to create style. This is the manner of expression of a particular writer, produced by choice of words, grammatical structures, use of literary devices, and all the possible parts of language use. The style of an author is as important as what he is trying to say.
8. Dialogue Dialogue is always created for a purpose of story development, therefore, it cannot function as a taped recording of reality; and it must be stripped of nuances that may not be true to the story or confuse the reader.
9. Theme Theme is the meaning or concept we are left with after reading a piece of fiction. It can be a revelation of human character or it may be stated briefly or at great length. A theme is the central and unifying concept of the story. A theme is not the “moral” of the story. It is the author’s way of communicating and sharing ideas, perceptions, and feelings with readers, and it may directly stated in the text, or it may be implied.
E. Analyze the literary devices used in the short story.
1. Allusion A literary device whereby the author refers to a subject matter such as a person, place, event, or literary work or work of art by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.
2. Conflict This is used for expressing the struggle that grows out of the interplay of two opposing forces. It is any clash of ideas, desires or will that happens to the protagonist against someone or something. The conflict is a discord that can have external aggressors (external conflict) or can even arise from within the self (internal conflict).
3. Flashback A literary device in which an earlier or past event is inserted into the present or the normal chronological order of a narrative. Various methods may be used to present this literary device: recollections of characters, narration by the characters, dream sequences, and reveries.
4. Foil This is where the author creates a character whose primary purpose is to create a contrast to another character by laying emphasis or drawing attention to the latter’s traits and characteristics through the former’s obviously contradictory ones.
5. Foreshadowing This is where the author hints certain plot developments that perhaps will come to be later in the story. It is the presentation of material in a work in such a way that later events are prepared for. The purpose of this one is to prepare the reader or viewer for action to come.
6. Irony This refers to how a person, situation, statement, or circumstance is not as it would actually seem. Many times it is the exact opposite of what it appears to be. The discrepancy between expectation and reality occurs in three forms: situational irony, dramatic irony, and verbal irony.
7. Motif It is an element, subject, idea, or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating a literary work. This is very important because it allows one to see main points and themes that the author is trying to express, so that one might be able to
8. Symbol This contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects/concepts/traits than those that are visible in the literal translation alone. The ability to recognize and interpret symbols requires experience in literary readings, perception, and tact. The ability to interpret symbols is essential to the full understanding and enjoyment of literature.
F. Organize your ideas
● Combine all the parts you wrote.
● Conclude what the short story means.
● State what the message of the author is.
Check Your Understanding
Read the following statements. Put a check mark if the statement is correct and a cross if not.
1. _____ Every element in the story contributes to the theme. 2. _____ In analyzing, one must reread the story multiple times. 3. _____ Other elements beyond the text can also be a factor in creating meaning for the
short story read. 4. _____ By analyzing the character/s alone, you can already produce a short story analysis. 5. _____ Literary devices are not an important component in doing an analysis.
In this lesson, we will analyze the short story written by Langston Hughes called “Early Autumn.” After the text, a sample analysis is provided. Try to understand how the analysis was done to help you with the next lesson.
Warm-up!
Quick-Write Analyze this 6-word story by Ernest Hemingway.
1. What does the story mean? 2. Who do you think is the one talking in the story? 3. What is the overall tone and mood in the story? 4. How did the conciseness of the words used affect the story? 5. What is the purpose of the writer? 6. Did you like the story? Why?
Read the short story, “Early Autumn” by Langston Hughes.
When Bill was very young, they had been in love. Many nights they had spent walking,
talking together. Then something not very important had come between them, and they didn’t speak. Impulsively, she had married a man she thought she loved. Bill went away, bitter about women. Yesterday, walking across Washington Square, she saw him for the first time in years. “Bill Walker,” she said. He stopped. At first he did not recognize her, to him she looked so old. “Mary! Where did you come from?”
Unconsciously, she lifted her face as though wanting a kiss, but he held out his hand. She took it. “I live in New York now,” she said. “Oh” — smiling politely. Then a little frown came quickly between his eyes. “Always wondered what happened to you, Bill.” “I’m a lawyer. Nice firm, way downtown.” “Married yet?” “Sure. Two kids.” “Oh,” she said.
A great many people went past them through the park. People they didn’t know. It was late afternoon. Nearly sunset. Cold. “And your husband?” he asked her. “We have three children. I work in the bursar’s office at Columbia.” “You’re looking very . . .” (he wanted to say old) “. . . well,” he said.
She understood. Under the trees in Washington Square, she found herself desperately reaching back into the past. She had been older than he then in Ohio. Now she was not young at all. Bill was still young. “We live on Central Park West,” she said. “Come and see us sometime.” “Sure,” he replied. “You and your husband must have dinner with my family some night. Any
night. Lucille and I’d love to have you.” The leaves fell slowly from the trees in the Square. Fell without wind. Autumn dusk.
She felt a little sick. “We’d love it,” she answered. “You ought to see my kids.” He grinned.
Suddenly the lights came on up the whole length of Fifth Avenue, chains of misty brilliance in the blue air. “There’s my bus,” she said. He held out his hand. “Good-bye.”
“When . . .” she wanted to say, but the bus was ready to pull off. The lights on the avenue blurred, twinkled, blurred. And she was afraid to open her mouth as she entered the bus. Afraid it would be impossible to utter a word. Suddenly she shrieked very loudly. “Good-bye!” But the bus door had closed. The bus started. People came between them outside, people crossing the street, people they didn’t know. Space and people. She lost sight of Bill. Then she remembered she had forgotten to give him her address — or to ask him for his — or tell him that her youngest boy was named Bill too.
Read the short story analysis worksheet thoroughly.
SHORT STORY ANALYSIS WORKSHEET A. Note the following terms.
● Characters: Bill and Mary ● Setting: autumn in Washington Square ● Plot: A man and a woman who once were so in love met again and exchanged a few
words. They reminisce about what happened between them before. ● Dialogue: Most of the dialogues were quipped. And the exchange was only between Bill
and Mary. ● Point of View: The story was told in third-person omniscient through the narrator. The
thoughts and feelings of the characters were rendered by the narrator in the story. ● Diction: Hughes used simple and plain words.
B. Analyze the story. Think which of the following elements leads us to the theme of
the short story.
● Is it the characters? The characters names are too common which makes it more relatable to anyone.
● Is it the setting? Autumn means dying down and growing cold which can be associated to the atmosphere evident during their exchange of conversations.
● Is it the plot? Nothing much happens however there are so many underlying meanings in what happens and what is not happening.
● Is it the dialogue? Dialogues were very simple however it was very quipped also. And the way it was depicted, the few words they have exchanged between them actually conceal a lot of unsaid words that are very much evident in the story.
● Is it the point of view? The thoughts and feelings of Bill and Mary as shared by the narrator were seen in the story. But there was a sudden shift in the POV in “the lights down Fifth Avenue blurred, blurred, and twinkled.” it shifted to Mary.
● Is it the diction? The words used were simple and plain but their ability to bridge connection between the story and reader is so strong that they can actually move the reader.
C. Derive the meaning of the short story.
● The poem is about loss. It says that one never forgets a past love. D. Formulate a thesis statement on the short story.
● Langston Hughes’ short story “Early Autumn” is about regret and states that one never ceases to regret losing a first love.
Read the story again. Answer the comprehension questions below.
1. From which narrative viewpoint is the story told? 2. What is the setting of the story? 3. Where do the two characters meet? Who recognizes who first? 4. Give two reasons why Bill is taken aback? (one is direct, the other indirect) 5. Where were they before moving to New York City? 6. Are their questions and responses to each other sincere, genuine or mere politeness? 7. Are both Bill and Mary content with their lives? Explain.
As with other types of essays, making a short story analysis essay involves writing the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. You may use the outline below as a guide for writing a poetry analysis essay.
Warm-up!
Collaborative Work Go back to your answers in Lesson 2’s Warm Up portion. Categorize your answers to which you think they should belong. Justify your answers and share it with your group.
Here are the guidelines to remember in writing your short story analysis:
I. Introduction
● Write a hook, which is an attention-grabbing sentence to begin your essay.
● Introduce the title of the short story and the writer’s name. ● Explain the overall theme or message of the short story. ● End with your thesis statement (main idea). You may use the following format to
formulate your thesis: (Author’s full name) uses ______, ______, ______, (two to three literary devices) in (title of the story) to (use verbs similar to illustrate, convey, reveal, etc.) (theme).
II. Body
● For each body paragraph, write about the literary devices present in the short story. (allusion, conflicts, symbolism, etc.)
● Cite sentences or dialogues from the short story to prove and explain the literary device you are discussing in that paragraph.
● Answer the question: “How is the writer using this literary device to make his or her point?”
● You may follow this basic format for a body paragraph: - Topic sentence - Evidence 1 (line/s from poem) - Explanation 1 - Evidence 2 - Explanation 2 - Evidence 3 - Explanation 3
● In your conclusion, you may answer the question, “How can you relate to the short story?”
● Give examples of how the short story or its message is still relevant today. ● End with a restatement of your thesis or a statement regarding what the writer teaches
the readers through the given short story. Brief Sample
Through the third-person narrative, thoughtfully designed dialogue, and meaningfully condensed setting, two sharp contrasting characters are vividly presented to readers. Early Autumn also showcases Hughes talent in reflecting the protagonist’s emotional changes and revealing complexities of universal human nature through plain language, which provokes reader’s empathy. This story is appealing not only because of its relationship to human nature and human experience, but also because of its style.
In Early Autumn, Hughes sets up the narrative time in the title of the story: Early Autumn. Early autumn is the transitional period between a hot season and a cold one. Hughes applies the symbolic meaning of this period and implies the change of Mary’s emotions from bliss to disappointment for autumn is the season when trees are withered and bare. Another important element is dialogue. The characters’ relationship and emotions are reflected not only in the dialogue, but in the setting or situational context of the short story. Mary’s speech is full of excitement, concerns, and even expectations of continuing their former relationship, making a striking contrast with Bill’s speech which shows indifference for the changes of Mary’s situation. This pretty much tells the readers that their relationship has to come to an end. The short story is very coherent. It is “foreshadowing” that makes it. Foreshadowing is present at those moments when the characters were reminiscing about the moments in the past which they shared together. These moments preconditioned the reader to what is bound to happen towards the end. It makes a story consistent.
Overall, "Early Autumn" feels sparse, towards the end the readers felt how deep the characters are at a loss. The feeling of regret was expressed clearly through the exceptional unification of the setting, dialogues, and foreshadowing. Through the good use of the elements, the story was successful in making us all think back of our first love and how big the impact or hole they have managed to create in our lives.
Classify on which part should the following points belong to. Write I for Introduction, B for Body, and C for Conclusion.
1. _____ hook 2. _____ supporting evidence to your arguments 3. _____ restatement of the thesis statement 4. _____ introducing the author 5. _____ introducing your standpoint towards the short story
Goal: The goal is to create an analysis of any short story of your choice. Role: You are a contributing writer to a magazine which recommends books to its readers. Audience: You need to convince your editor-in-chief to include your article for publishing. Situation: The challenge is to please the editor’s standards when it comes to filtering articles to publish. Product/Performance and Purpose: You will create an analysis of a short story in order to retain your column in the magazine. Standards & Criteria for Success: Your literary analysis needs to: ● Show a clear understanding of the short story. ● Present a thorough discussion of the literary elements used and explain how they
reinforce the theme, mood, or tone of the short story. ● Provide textual evidence and supporting details from the text.
Your work will be graded using the following rubric:
Criteria Beginning (0-12 points)
Developing (13-16 points)
Accomplished (17-20 points)
Score
Content (Focus on details/events are clearly evident; it is clearly related to the topic.)
Do a self-check on how well you learned the lessons in this unit. Place a checkmark in the appropriate box.
Skills I think I need more
practice and assistance
I am familiar and can perform well
with minimal assistance
I am confident that I can perform this on
my own
I can organize information in various ways.
I can share personal opinion about the ideas presented in the material viewed.
I can compose a short story analysis.
Wrap Up
A. Steps in Analyzing a Short Story
STEPS IN ANALYZING A SHORT STORY
Read the short story. Examine the basic subject. Consider the context of the short story. Analyze the elements of the short story. Analyze the literary devices used. Organize your ideas.
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