Literary Analysis using The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

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Literary Analysis using The Poisonwood Bible by
Barbara Kingsolver
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Purpose

• The purpose of a literary analysis is to
  carefully examine and evaluate the work of
  literature you have been reading.
• You will use the three main elements weve
  discussed in connection with the book.
• Characters (Dynamic vs. Static)
• Theme
• Symbol/Motif

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Objective

• The objective is to convince the reader (Ms.
  Culver) that you have supported the ideas you
  have been developing through your reading, note
  taking (charts) and your study guide.
• Your essay must cover the topic (thesis) you are
  writing about.
• Your essay must have a central idea (stated in
  your thesis) that governs its development.
• Your essay must be organized so that every part
  contributes something to the readers
  understanding of the central idea.

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The Thesis Statement

• Thesis is your central idea and tells your reader
  what to expect as they read.
• Without a carefully conceived thesis, an essay
  has no chance of success.

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Topic

• You can formulate your thesis based on one of the
  following topics.
• Kingsolvers use of character, theme, and symbol
  to portray the story of Western Colonization and
  its effects of Africa.
• Kingsolvers use of theme and symbol to create
  vivid characterizations of the protagonists in
  the story.
• Kingsolvers use of character and symbol to
  promote the themes (western arrogance, change and
  revelation, guilt, and the power of Africa).
• For example
• In the novel The Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver
  uses the character, theme, and symbol as tools to
  address western colonization and its effect on
  the African Continent.
• The characters in The Poisonwood Bible (Orleanna,
  Leah, Adah, Rachel, Ruth May, and Nathan) are
  characterized, through the use of theme and
  symbol, has strong, independent protagonists,
  which ultimately complete the story Kingsolver is
  trying to tell.
• Each character in the novel The Poisonwood Bible
  undergo a dramatic change characterized through
  the use of both theme and symbols throughout the
  story.
• Kingsolver uses dramatic and dynamic
  characterization and symbolism to address the
  themes of western arrogance, change and
  revelation, guilt, and the power of Africa in her
  novel The Poisonwood Bible.

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The Introduction

• Should try to arouse interest in your reader.
• Bring immediate focus to your subject
• You may use a quotation, a provocative question,
  an anecdote, or a combination of these.
• It should include background information related
  to the novel.
• It needs the title of the work and the full name
  of the author

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Body

• Your body is the evidence that supports your
  thesis.
• You can write the body based on the three main
  topics Character, Theme, and Symbol
• You can organize the body based on each character
  and how they relate to the them and symbol
• You can write the body based on the four themes
  and how character and symbol are used to promote
  these themes

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Body

• You must use evidence from the text in your body.
• Summary gives a short overview of the scene you
  are describing.
• Paraphrase retelling of the scene (in about the
  same amount of words as the original) in your own
  words.
• Direct quotation using the authors words
  directly in quotation marks

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Citation

• You must cite summaries, paraphrases, and
  quotations. For example.
• Kingsolver points out that Africa cannot be tamed
  by a minister and his family (35-45).
• Africa cannot be tamed by the minister and his
  family based on the evidence of the demonstration
  garden (Kingsolver 35-45).
• Mama Tataba seemed not to be listening. She
  pointed at the red dirt. You got to be make
  hills. (Kingsolver 40).

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Types of Quotations and Body paraprgaphs

• Tomorrow we will go over the different types of
  quotations (in more detail) and how to
  incorporate them into your paper as well as
  writing body paragraphs.
• This will include
• Longer quotations
• Punctuation
• Omissions from the quote
• Construction and relevance of each paragraph

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Body

• Make sure that all body paragraphs relate back to
  the thesis
• Organize your body based on the format you have
  chosen

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Conclusion

• Gives your essay a sense of completeness
• Restates the thesis in different words
• Summarizes your main points again
• Makes a relevant comment about the work you are
  analyzing
• Do not introduce a new topic in your conclusion

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Title

• Your title should be engaging and incorporate
  what you are discussing in your paper
• For example
• The Use of Allegory in the story The Pilgrims
  Progress
• Imagery in T.S. Eliots The Love Song of J.
  Alfred Prufrock

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Expectations

• You must give clear, full reference to the work
  and author you are writing about somewhere in
  your introductory paragraph
• Use the correct format when referring to the
  novel, The Poisonwood Bible must always be in
  italics.
• Use the Present Tense when you are discussing and
  writing about literature.
• For example, - Nathan is a fundamentalist. Adah
  does not understand her place in the family.
  Kingsolver says
• The entire paper should be written in third
  person. No you, I, us, we, etc.

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Expectations

• You will have time to work on your paper in
  class.
• If you are typing it, make sure to keep a printed
  copy (ongoing) so that we can discuss issues you
  have encountered.
• Keep an outline of what you are writing with you
  at all times.
• Use your notes, etc for you analysis

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Expectations

• Your paper should follow MLA format
• 12 point Times New Roman font
• 1 in margins
• Double-spaced
• Look on my website under resources for websites
  that explain MLA format
• Paper must be 6-8 pages in length (no exceptions)
• Due Date The final paper is due 11/29/2010.
  Turning it in early is acceptable. No paper will
  be taken after this date.

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Today

• Please take a few moments to formulate a thesis
  statement for your paper
• This is a working thesis and can change I just
  want to see what angle you think you would like
  to take on the paper.

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Dates, etc.

• Today Wikis 1 and 2 should be completed
• Friday May 6 Book 4 study guide and discussion
  question from Wiki
• Tuesday, May 10 Book 5 study guide
• Wednesday, May 11 Wikis 3 and 4
• Friday, May 13 Book 6 Study Guide
• (Charts will be checked when youve finished each
  section have me sign it!)