Lecture Notes on Literary Analysis and "My Antonia"

Class Introductions and Casual Discussion

• Instructor checks in with students about their locations and well-being.
• Casual conversation about recent hurricanes affecting Florida.

Reading Assignments and Book Discussion

• Confusion over reading assignments due to different book versions.
• Goal: Finish reading by next week, flexibility provided.

Journal Writing Prompt

• Reflect on events from Book Two of "My Antonia."
• Novel viewed from Jim Burden’s perspective, highlighting its biases.

Discussion on Character Perspectives

• Catherine inserts dialogue snippets to reveal true feelings about Jim.
• Transition from book one (childhood) to book two (teen years).

Themes and Stereotypes in "My Antonia"

• Stereotypes and prejudices in the novel are deliberate to reflect societal norms.
• Discussion on Jim's character and how others perceive him, particularly the immigrant girls.

Literary Devices and Themes

• Bildungsroman: Genre focusing on a character's psychological growth.
• Stereotypes in religion, races, and cultural practices.
• Racial Attitudes: Discussion on harsh descriptions of characters that reflect the period’s attitudes.
  • Example: Jim's observations of a pianist who is black and blind.

Symbolism and Music in the Novel

• Music as a unifying theme across cultures and races in the book.
• Use of music among characters like Peter, Pavel, and Mr. Shmierda.

Literary Devices: Metonymy and Synecdoche

• Metonymy: Substituting a word with another closely related word.
  • Example: "The White House" for the president.
• Synecdoche: A part represents the whole.
  • Example: "Threads" for clothing, "head" for cattle.

Grammar Exercise

• Correcting sentences for proper punctuation and avoiding contractions in formal writing.

Analysis of Poetic Devices

• Introduction to TP-CASTT for poetry analysis.
  • Title: Identify meaning and implications.
  • Paraphrase: Rewrite in simpler terms.
  • Connotation: Explore word choice and figurative language.
  • Attitude: Determine the author's tone.
  • Shifts: Identify changes in tone or subject.
  • Theme: Extract the central message.

Poem: "The Old Oaken Bucket"

• Analysis of the poem and its relevance to "My Antonia."
• Stanza Analysis:
  • Stanza 1: Reflects childhood memories and sentimental places.
  • Stanza 2: The joy of simple pleasures (water from the bucket).
  • Stanza 3: Nostalgia and longing for past simplicity.

Homework and Next Steps

• Read books 3-5 of "My Antonia."
• Bring a favorite passage to class next week.
• Analyze symbolism and relate "The Old Oaken Bucket" to Jim's experience.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement and praise for class discussion.
• Reminder of group allocations for future discussions.