QUOTATION ANALYSIS – ENG 2D1
1. Using one short paragraph, describe the context of the passage you are analyzing.
Identify the speaker and state the circumstances relating to the quoted passage. That is,
tell briefly what is happening at this point in the work.
2. In subsequent paragraphs, discuss the significance of the passage in relation to the
work from which it is taken. Actions, thoughts or speakers’ words may be significant to
a work in one or more of the following ways:
a) revealing character. Name the character trait and show how it is revealed in
the quotation.
b) advancing plot. Explain how the conflict of the work is affected.
c) revealing theme. State a theme of the work as a meaningful sentence and
explain the pertinent aspect of its development in the analyzed passage.
d) foreshadowing. Point out what is said in the passage and link it to an event
that actually occurs later on.
e) demonstrating irony. Identify the ironic component and show how this
reveals character or theme.
f) demonstrating dramatic irony. The audience knows something that the
character involved does not know. Dramatic irony usually creates suspense.
Point out what is known at this time and show how our knowledge creates
suspense.
g) creating mood. State the mood that is created and show how this is
accomplished.
h) establishing tone (besides ironic). State the tone of the speaker and explain its
relevance to theme, character, or mood.
i) developing or introducing a pattern of imagery. Identify the imagery and
show how it assists in establishing theme or character.
Consider two or three main points of significance. Keep in mind that a number of the
above points, such as irony and imagery, can be considered as part of an explanation of
characterization, theme, etc. Thus, some points can function as subpoints to your main
points.
3. Consider shifts. Do actions, thoughts or speakers’ words signal a transition within the
larger work? Are any transitions evident within the excerpt?