Literary Analysis using The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

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 we’ve discussed in connection with the book.– Characters (Dynamic vs. Static)– Theme– Symbol/Motif

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 reader’s understanding of the central idea.

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.

Topic

You can formulate your thesis based on one of the following topics. Kingsolver’s use of character, theme, and symbol to portray the story of Western

Colonization and its effects of Africa. Kingsolver’s use of theme and symbol to create vivid characterizations of the

protagonists in the story. Kingsolver’s 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.

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

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

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 author’s words directly – in quotation marks

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).

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

Body

Make sure that all body paragraphs relate back to the thesis

Organize your body based on the format you have chosen

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

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 Pilgrim’s

Progress– Imagery in T.S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred

Prufrock

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.

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

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.

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.

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 you’ve finished

each section – have me sign it!)