Quipper Lesson 3: Literary Reading through a Linguistic Context

Flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and guiding questions from the linguistic context lesson, including definitions of linguistic terms, literary theories, reading strategies, guide questions, analysis criteria, and assignment references.

Linguistic

Relating to language or the study of language; used to understand layers of meaning in a text.

Syntax

The arrangement of words into phrases, clauses, or sentences; a criterion used to assess writing.

Structuralism

A literary theory that examines a text by relating it to a larger underlying structure.

Formalism

A school of literary theory focused on the structure of a text, independent of exterior influences.

Poststructuralism

A literary theory that examines underlying structures in a text that may yield varied interpretations.

Essential Question

What is the importance of understanding the way language is used in a particular text?

Linguistic Context in Literature

Reading literature through language features (diction, syntax, figurative language) to enrich meaning.

Reasons to Read Linguistic Context

Analyzing words, patterns, imagery, and form helps interpret meaning within the text.

Diction

The author's deliberate word choice and its effect on meaning and tone.

Syntax in Analysis

The arrangement of sentences and clauses to shape meaning, rhythm, and emphasis.

Figurative Language Analysis

Examining metaphor, simile, personification, and other figures to uncover deeper meaning.

Mood and Tone

Mood is the emotional atmosphere; tone is the author's attitude toward the subject.

Overall Structure

The text's organization (narrative, linear/nonlinear) and its impact on meaning.

Nouns and Verbs – Guiding Questions

Which nouns are most prominent? Concrete or abstract? What about verbs? Are words common or lofty? Short or long? Any word with multiple meanings?

Sentence-Level Guiding Questions

Are sentences in standard subject–predicate order? What are dependent/independent clauses? Is the voice active or passive? Is there a rhythm linked to sentence length?

Imagery and Symbolism Guiding Questions

What literary devices are used? Do the images carry meaning beyond their literal sense?

Tone, Structure, and POV Guide Questions

What is the tone? What is the text's structure (narrative/poetic)? What is the point of view? Is the work a poem, and if so, what type?

Grammar Deviations

Some writers deviate from grammatical rules; such deviations can be analytical evidence.

Linguistic Approaches in Literature

Structuralism, poststructuralism, and formalism all engage with linguistic aspects of texts.

Structuralism – Explanation

Relates the text being examined to a larger structure.

Formalism – Explanation

Focuses on the structure and formal features of a text.

Poststructuralism – Explanation

Suggests underlying structures may yield different interpretations based on language usage.

Emily Dickinson – 'Hope' Guide Question

What is the central image or metaphor of the poem? How is it described?

Assignment Text – Kipling

Read and analyze 'If—' by Rudyard Kipling (author listed for analysis).

Analysis Criteria

Scoring components: Content (6 pts), Organization (6 pts), Language (3 pts); Total 15 pts.

Guide Questions for 'If—' and Similar Texts

Who is the persona? What words or structures stand out? What is the text's structure? What is the tone? What is the theme?

Synthesis and Song-Inspired Poetry

Group activity: select three related songs and create a 24–30 line poem using linguistic devices from the songs.