WITH CAMMY SRAY amp ALEXA WINIK HistBio Analysis What Is It Situating the Text Using the context surrounding a text to create a lens to interpret that text Contextevent in authors life or historical eventtrend that occurred around time of text ID: 703499
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Slide1
Historical/ Biographical Analysis WORKSHOP
WITH CAMMY SRAY & ALEXA WINIKSlide2
Hist./Bio. Analysis– What Is It?
Situating the Text: Using the context surrounding a text to create a “lens” to interpret that text.
Context—event in author’s life or historical event/trend that occurred around time of text
Context—not information that the text itself provides (though it may allude to)
Using the context to inform your reading of a textSlide3
Difference from New Critical?
New Critical:
text
interpret
In a NC analysis, you start and end with the text--no outside research/pulling from context.
Hist
/Biographical:
context
lens
text
interpret
Pull from the context to shed light on your reading
Context supplements your understanding of the textSlide4
Historical Analysis
Set up your paper to analyze what historical event/trend the author had in mind that he/she viewed as significant
Intro:
general tension and thesis
Body:
1) prove that this historical event/trend actually occurred and was prevalent in author’s mind when he/she wrote text
2) prove that the event/trend was significant to the author
*especially important if the author is addressing an era/event that did
not
occur around the same time author wrote text.
*
use: autobiography, biography, newspapers, letters, correspondences,
etc.
3) Use devices to support thesis (Like a NC analysis, but apply/integrate the context)
ConclusionSlide5
Biographical Analysis
Explain the text as a way the author tried to deal with a personal issue.
Intro:
general tension and thesis
Body:
1) Background: prove an issue bothered author significantly at/near time he/she wrote text
*use: autobiography, biography, newspapers, letters, correspondences, etc.
2.)
Text: use devices to support thesis (like NC), but apply/integrate the context
ConclusionSlide6
Let’s situate…
Read “Reunion”
Look for prevalent literary devices (as you would for a NC analysis).
Use your background knowledge to shed light on how the devices function within the story
Develop some foundational themesSlide7
Thesis time!
Don’t forget tenets of thesis:
interpretive/argumentative
specific/precise
accurate
deep
Include in your thesis how the author is commenting on
A
(the relevant element of the context) by using
B
(literary device) to say
C
(the message of the text)
Slide8
Wrapping Up...
Texts exist in some framework of history
Know the framework!
Ask
1) “What’s happening at this time?”
2) “What is author saying about it?”
Hist./Biog. Criticism involves authorial intent more than any other criticism
Criticisms are distinct, but relatedSlide9
Wrapping Up...
Like any other criticism...ALWAYS go back to the text to prove your thesis!
Move from
context
text
context
lens
text
interpret
This is not a historical research paper
Don’t backseat the textual interpretation!Slide10
Final Tips...
Remember
: Writing style and grammar count. Hugely.
Write OUTLINES or POST-OUTLINES.
Write MULTIPLE rough drafts.
Be clear. Be fluent.
Use strong, precise verbs in active voice
Be
specific
as you discuss the historical context.
Be
specific
as you connect the historical context to the text itself.
Conclusion
Stress importance of the work in relation to historical event/issueSlide11
Literary texts are not created in a vacuum!!!
Remember…Slide12
You’re not alone. The writing center is here!
Hours
:
MWF 1-5 p.m.; T/TH 12:30-5 p.m.
M-TH 7-11 p.m. (Yes, we’re open evenings!)
Workshop Information Posted Online Here
:
http://www.cedarville.edu/Offices/Writing-Center/Workshop-Information.aspx
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