Preparing to Construct an Analysis Handout

Brandi Morley and C. Anneke Snyder

Overview

 

  • This handout serves as a tool for introducing students to textual analysis, encompassing its definition, objective, significance, various approaches, and considerations for analyzing text.

Handout

Preparing to Construct an Analysis

  1. What is Textual Analysis?
    • Definition: Textual analysis examines written, visual, or spoken material to uncover layers of meaning, themes, and patterns.
    • Objective: It dissects language, structure, and context to reveal how elements convey messages, ideologies, and cultural insights.
    • Significance: Textual analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the content’s significance and underlying implications.
  2. Approaches to Textual Analysis:
    • Read and Reread: Thoroughly read the text multiple times to grasp its nuances and details.
    • Analyze Layers:
      • Literal Meaning: Understand the surface-level content.
      • Subtext: Look for hidden meanings, metaphors, and implied messages.
      • Symbolism: Identify symbols and their significance.
      • Assumptions and Values: Uncover implicit assumptions and cultural values.
    • Contextualize:
      • Social, Political, or Cultural Context: Relate the text to broader contexts.
      • Theoretical Framework: Apply relevant theories (e.g., semiotics, postcolonial theory).
    • Elements to Consider:
      • Word Choice: Analyze language and connotations.
      • Design Elements: For visual texts, consider layout, colors, and imagery.
      • Audience: Reflect on the intended audience.
      • Relationship with Other Texts: Explore intertextuality.
    • Qualitative Approach: Textual analysis is often creative and qualitative, aiming to illuminate politics, social context, or cultural insights.
  3. Questions to Consider when Analyzing a Text:
    • Who is the author, and what background or expertise do they bring to the topic?
    • Why did the author write this text? What purpose or message are they trying to convey?
    • How does the author structure the text? Is it chronological, thematic, or argumentative?
    • What central thesis or main argument does the text present?
    • What evidence or examples does the author provide to support their claims?
    • Does the author address opposing viewpoints or counterarguments?
    • Who is the intended audience for this text? How does the author tailor their message to reach them?
    • What rhetorical devices (such as metaphors, analogies, or allusions) does the author use?
    • How does the author create a specific tone or style? Is it formal, persuasive, or conversational?
    • Are there any underlying assumptions or biases in the text?
    • What impact does the text have on different readers (e.g., experts, general public)?
    • How does the author appeal to shared values or emotions?
    • Does the text include glittering generalities or emotionally charged language?
    • What literary techniques (such as foreshadowing, symbolism, or irony) does the author employ?
    • How does the author engage with historical or cultural context?
    • What gaps or unanswered questions arise from the text?
    • Is there any symbolism or allegory present?
    • How does the author’s use of devices impact the reader’s understanding?
    • What implications or consequences result from the author’s ideas?
    • How does the text connect to broader societal issues or debates?

 

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Preparing to Construct an Analysis Handout

 

 

Attribution:

Snyder, C. Anneke and Brandi Morley. “Preparing to Construct an Analysis Handout.” Strategies, Skills and Models for Student Success in Writing and Reading Comprehension. College Station: Texas A&M University, 2024. This work is licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

License

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Preparing to Construct an Analysis Handout Copyright © by Brandi Morley and C. Anneke Snyder is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.