OBJECTIVES
 Critique a literary selection based on the following
approaches: Structuralist/Formalist, Moralist, Marxist,
Feminist, Historical, and Reader-response
 Compose an independent critique of a chosen selection
1.
FORMALIST LITERARY TERMS:
Setting —atmosphere, historical period, physical setting, or
mood of text
Hush-a-by baby on the tree top,
When the wind blows the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,
Down tumbles baby, cradle and all.
How can we properly express our
interpretation of a piece of text/
literature?
In “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” Jules
Verne uses the Nautilus as a unifying
device for setting, mood, and theme.
SAMPLE THESIS
The thesis may focus on an analysis of
one of the elements: character, plot,
structure, idea, theme, symbol, style,
imagery, tone, etc.
SAMPLE THESIS
In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a
fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose
determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the
indomitable human spirit.
https://libguides.uta.edu/literarycriticism/thesis
SAMPLE THESIS
In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a
fictional character in Phoenix Jackson
whose determination, faith, and cunning
illustrate the indomitable human spirit.
Note that the work, author, and character to be
analyzed are identified in this thesis statement.
SAMPLE THESIS
In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a
fictional character in Phoenix Jackson
whose determination, faith, and cunning
illustrate the indomitable human spirit.
The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the
element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and
the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss
(determination, faith, cunning).
IDENTIFY THE THESIS STATEMENT
IN (TITLE OF WORK), (AUTHOR) USES (AN
IMPORTANT PART OF WORK) AS A UNIFYING
DEVICE FOR (ONE ELEMENT), (ANOTHER
ELEMENT), AND (ANOTHER ELEMENT).
SAMPLE THESIS
1
The Little Prince is a story that [mimics our adventure in the
2
adult world] [throughout the introspection and understanding
of one’s responsibilities] and [its implication to other people.]
3
SAMPLE THESIS
The thesis may focus on an analysis of
one of the elements: character, plot,
structure, idea, theme, symbol, style,
imagery, tone, etc.
Please see module for a
clearer copy.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Hook/Background (Engage audience and create context)
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B. Thesis Statement (Summary of interpretation)
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II. BODY
A. First Main Point (Details and explanation, lines from the story, and/or events from the story)
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B. Second Main Point (Details and explanation, lines from the story, and/or events from the story)
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C. Third Main Point (Details and explanation, lines from the story, and/or events from the story)
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