Preparing to Construct an Analysis Handout
Brandi Morley and C. Anneke Snyder
Overview
- Based on “Pre-Writing an Analysis [Lesson]” Brandi Morley.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
Click here to download a Word doc version of this handout:
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).
