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Welcome! Today we will learn how to analyze a story by connecting text evidence with your own original commentary.
Literary analysis means looking closely at a text to understand how an author builds a deeper meaning. We examine how character actions and plot events develop a central theme.
To support your analysis, you must use direct text evidence. A strong response pairs this evidence with original commentary that explains *how* the quote proves your point.
When analyzing, we look at how characters change. A character's hard choices during the plot often reveal the story's ultimate message or theme.
✏️ Worked example
Analyze how the theme of 'courage in the face of fear' is developed in a story where a quiet student speaks up against an unfair rule.
- Identify the character's starting point: The student is quiet and fears attention.
- Locate text evidence: Find a quote showing their fear, such as, 'Her hands shook as she held the petition.'
- Analyze the plot turning point: The student decides to hand the petition to the principal anyway.
- Write original commentary: Explain that the physical shaking shows real fear, making her action a true display of courage.
- Connect to the theme: Conclude that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite being afraid.
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