Overview
This lecture explains how to analyze the deeper, less tangible elements of fiction—such as symbolism, theme, style, tone, and irony—using critical thinking and inference.
Tangible vs. Intangible Elements of Fiction
- Tangible elements like character, plot, point of view, and setting are easily identifiable and quotable.
- Intangible elements (symbolism, theme, style, tone, irony) require critical thinking and interpretation.
Making Inferences & "Reading Between the Lines"
- Inference involves drawing logical conclusions based on author’s suggestions, not just explicit statements.
- You must remain tied to the evidence in the text, even when interpreting deeper meanings.
Symbolism
- A symbol is a person, object, or event that suggests more than its literal meaning.
- Symbols can foreshadow events or shed light on themes in the story.
- Examples include dead animals foreshadowing death or the mockingbird symbolizing innocence in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- Symbols may be conventional (widely recognized, like a wedding ring) or unconventional (unique to the story).
- Look for repeated elements (objects, colors, animals) as possible symbols.
Theme
- Theme is the central, unifying idea that holds a story together.
- It is broader than a moral or lesson and may involve values, social issues, or underlying questions.
- Examples: questioning traditional marriage roles or exploring community morality.
Style
- Style refers to the author's unique way of using language, ranging from concise (Hemingway) to highly descriptive (Henry James).
- Consider your reaction to the author's style and how it affects your reading.
Tone
- Tone is the mood or attitude conveyed in the work, separate from the author’s personal attitude.
- Examples include dark and mysterious (Poe), humorous, sentimental, or serious tones.
- The tone can be identified by your own emotional response to the reading.
Irony
- Irony occurs when the outcome is the opposite of what is expected.
- Can be found in plot twists, story titles, or character dialogue.
- Example: In "The Gift of the Magi," both characters sacrifice their prized possessions, making their gifts useless.
- Irony creates tension and adds to the story’s message.
Reading & Analyzing for Interpretation
- Go beyond literal meaning by rereading and connecting elements like symbolism, theme, style, tone, and irony.
- In essays, discuss both literal and interpretive meanings you identify in the text.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Inference — Drawing logical conclusions from evidence in the text.
- Symbol — An element that represents more than its literal meaning.
- Theme — The central, unifying idea of a story.
- Style — The author’s distinctive way of writing.
- Tone — The mood or attitude expressed by the narrative.
- Irony — When the actual result differs sharply from expectations.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reread this week’s assigned stories, focusing on symbolism, theme, style, tone, and irony.
- Begin making interpretive notes for use in essays and class discussions.