QUOTATION ANALYSIS – ENG 4U1
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(s) and show how it/they 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. Remember that while explaining your points, the structure of the passage and larger work should not be ignored. Do actions, thoughts or speakers’ words signal a transition within the larger work? Are any transitions evident within the excerpt?
4. A writer’s diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure) contribute to all of the above-mentioned aspects of style. Consider these elements in your explanations of various points, as appropriate.