ENG 4UW
L. Kuruvilla
Organizing a Guided Literary Analysis
Method B - The Layered Version
Name: Meeth Shah
A. Introduction:
Title of work: Of prayers and Curves of Very pretty Girls
Genre of work: Non- Fiction
Author of work: Iyesatta Massaquoi Emeli
Brief context (Where is this particular extract found within the whole work? What is happening at this point?):
-
This is the story of a science/fact-based family from Sierra Leone who have had their beliefs reshaped
as a result of an unexpected source.
B. Main Purpose/function/significance of this excerpt AND EXPLAIN It could be that the passage serves to develop
a theme or message; or to develop a character; or it could be to establish mood and setting; etc. Make sure you
expand on this. For example, if you tell me that this passage serves to develop the character, make sure you tell me
what exactly it shows us about this character. If you’re saying it’s about a theme, what theme?
* When deciding on the overriding purpose or function of the passage, look to the guiding question to help you. Use
the guiding question as a way into your discussion. The question may be pointing you toward a significant aspect
or theme of the passage, which you should not overlook. (Or else, the question is pointing you toward a key
stylistic feature or technical element that you should discuss in your analysis.)
The theme of unexpected change that can occur in our lives and give birth to new and better things can be
identified by the actions of the character of Uncle Moi. In my opinion, Uncle Moi's character utilizes
deception quite well to accomplish what he wants. In order to convey Uncle Moi's mischievous personality, it
is important for the author to make Uncle Moi's parts more lighthearted and humorous which they have done
throughout the story with the use of many literary devices.
C. Identify two or three prominent ideas /themes / motifs / features that are key to this extract:
1.
Deception
2.
emotional and physical empowerment brought by change
D. Analysis of extract, focusing on the ideas listed above one at a time, specifying the more specific features/devices
that develops the idea or theme. Make sure you take the time to explain WHAT effect these devices have on the
work, explaining HOW these devices work to create meaning in the passage (connecting back to the main idea
and/or your stated purpose), and what effect this has on the reader:
1.
Idea #1:
The specific features that establish this idea, how they create meaning, and what effect they have on the reader:
-
After he encouraged his niece to taste his cigarettes, he immediately informed her parents, the author
illustrates this point to show the lack of change in his character through the years. I also believe that
when Uncle Moi is unsuccessful in getting his crush to like him this is another tool the author uses to
show that change through deception and not real change can have a negative impact or haul the
progression of your life. He's also attempting to show himself as a devout Christian by saying he
wants to help Rachel, but we can see he's not the leader because he doesn't know what more to say or
how to pray, further embarrassing himself showing the lack of change can affect people negatively.
-
The author's use of repetition when Uncle moi says, “Today we will pray for our sister Rachel….Let us pray for
our sick sister!...Someone who was clearly the true leader of the group, not my uncle, officially started the prayer
session” Shows Uncle Moi’s deceptive side wanting to stand out or seem better than he is to trick others
2.
Idea #2:
The specific features that establish this idea, how they create meaning, and what effect they have on the reader:
-
Der two factors that influence Theme promotes optimism and flexibility
-
According to the author, a family who is generally highly fact-driven turns to God and begins attending church
every Sunday in order to pray, which has changed them for the better. This is shown by the change in language
as well as the change in the tone and structure of the piece at that part as it is seen as more lite than the other
parts.
-
Sister Rachel's illness and the disciples praying around her symbolizes the change in tradition and community
between two families through imagery and groups of people, making them desire to be more like the other
group, in my opinion.
E. Closing or Summary (Restate the purpose/function of excerpt and the main ideas presented within):
I think the main idea of the story is to be open to change and allow change to occur even when it's from an unexpected
source.