Writing a Literary Analysis Paragraph

The Power of Storytelling

Elements of Fiction

Unit Introduction

Introduction to Storytelling

https://youtu.be/1rMnzNZkIX0

Why do we enjoy storytelling?

Think, Pair, Share:

1. Think: Why do you read/watch/listen to stories? Why do you share them?
2. Pair: Share with a partner
3. Share: Discuss as a class

Open Ended

What are your favorite stories (movies, books, etc.) and WHY?

Example: I like mysteries because I like to challenge my mind. I enjoy figuring out new puzzles.

Literary Analysis

Analyzing a story... Figuring out both what a story means to us, and what it means to others.

Literary: related to literature (good writing)

Analysis: detailed examination of something

Open Ended

Why do we analyze literature?

How do we analyze literature?

We look to the elements that a story contains (setting, plot, characterization, conflict, symbolism, figurative language, theme, etc.) We use these elements to identify the author's intended meaning, and personal meaning. This usually connects to a broader insight about life or the human condition.

Watch the Pixar Short Bao

https://youtu.be/YNzYhYKGoB8

A Bao is a Chinese dish, a steamed bun usually filled with meat or vegetables. In Chinese, Bǎo means “treasure, jewel, precious, rare”. In Vietnamese, the name Bảo means “protection or security”. Keep these meanings in mind as you watch the short film. 

Open Ended

"In order to truly love, you must let go."

Write a paragraph explaining how that theme fits with the short film Bao.

Sample Literary Analysis Paragraph...

One theme in the short film Bao is that in order to truly love, you must let go. The dumpling child is a metaphor for the mother's relationship with her son. The mother is overprotective while the son wants to make his own decisions. For example, the mother wants to control who the son dates, and she wants to protect him from every danger. By the climax of the film, the mother decides to eat the dumpling, symbolizing that the only way to completely control someone is to consume them--thus depriving them of their agency and individuality. By the end of the film, the mother realizes that the only way to have a relationship with her son is to let go of control. Therefore, letting go is the only pathway to genuine love.

Good Job!

This is the end.