Critical Analysis:
Critical analysis How to guide:
Critical Analysis #1 (Short STories)
Analyze literary elements present in one of the short stories we've read throughout this unit and their effect on the development of the theme.
Critical Analysis #2 (Novel)
Often in literary works, authors choose a physical object which takes on a special significance in the work and becomes a symbol of something beyond itself. Show how, in the work that you read, the author uses a symbol to convey an important meaning / theme. In your essay, focus on the symbol and what it symbolizes. Be sure to discuss how the author uses it to convey a message to readers. You may choose three important symbols from the novel, or you may choose to elaborate on one symbol in all three body paragraphs.
Critical Analysis #3 (Epic)
In what way does symbolic retribution guide Dante the Poet in creating the punishment for sinners?
How does Dante the Poet’s structure of Hell identify his views of the seriousness of sin?
Select a single encounter Dante the Pilgram has with the souls in Hell explain its significance to the work as a whole. What does it contribute to the total effect of the poem? (e.g. What is the author doing, and how is he doing it?) What impact does it have on the reader’s understanding of symbolic retribution.
How does Dante the Poet’s structure of Hell identify his views of the seriousness of sin?
Select a single encounter Dante the Pilgram has with the souls in Hell explain its significance to the work as a whole. What does it contribute to the total effect of the poem? (e.g. What is the author doing, and how is he doing it?) What impact does it have on the reader’s understanding of symbolic retribution.
Critical Analysis #4 (Macbeth)
Choose 1 of the following topics:
1. Explain the factors that play a role in Macbeth's choices (Lady Macbeth, the Witches, his own ambition), and explain which factor has the strongest influence.
2. Explain the issue of gender roles in regards to Lady Macbeth and Macbeth and their role reversals. Discuss the role change and why they change as well as their significance.
3. Explain the idea of manhood in the play. How do different characters exhibit manhood? How is it used as a motivator?
4. Explain whether or not Macbeth is a tragic hero or a villain.
5. Explain the role of "kingship" for at least 3 of the major characters. Why is it important to them? What does it entail? Hoe does it or would it affect them?
1. Explain the factors that play a role in Macbeth's choices (Lady Macbeth, the Witches, his own ambition), and explain which factor has the strongest influence.
2. Explain the issue of gender roles in regards to Lady Macbeth and Macbeth and their role reversals. Discuss the role change and why they change as well as their significance.
3. Explain the idea of manhood in the play. How do different characters exhibit manhood? How is it used as a motivator?
4. Explain whether or not Macbeth is a tragic hero or a villain.
5. Explain the role of "kingship" for at least 3 of the major characters. Why is it important to them? What does it entail? Hoe does it or would it affect them?