HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS WORKSHOP WITH CAMMY SRAY ALEXA

HISTORICAL/ BIOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS WORKSHOP WITH CAMMY SRAY & ALEXA WINIK

Hist. /Bio. Analysis– What Is It? Situating the Text: Using the context surrounding a text to create a “lens” to interpret that text. Context—event in author’s life or historical event/trend that occurred around time of text Context—not information that the text itself provides (though it may allude to) Using the context to inform your reading of a text

Difference from New Critical? New Critical: text interpret In a NC analysis, you start and end with the text--no outside research/pulling from context. Hist/Biographical: context lens text interpret Pull from the context to shed light on your reading Context supplements your understanding of the text

Historical Analysis Set up your paper to analyze what historical event/trend the author had in mind that he/she viewed as significant Intro: general tension and thesis Body: 1) prove that this historical event/trend actually occurred and was prevalent in author’s mind when he/she wrote text � 2) prove that the event/trend was significant to the author � � *especially important if the author is addressing an era/event that did not occur around the same time author wrote text. *use: autobiography, newspapers, letters, correspondences, etc. 3) Use devices to support thesis (Like a NC analysis, but apply/integrate the context) Conclusion

Biographical Analysis Explain the text as a way the author tried to deal with a personal issue. Intro: general tension and thesis Body: � 1) Background: prove an issue bothered author significantly at/near time he/she wrote text � *use: autobiography, newspapers, letters, correspondences, etc. 2. ) Text: use devices to support thesis (like NC), but apply/integrate the context Conclusion

Let’s situate… Read “Reunion” Look for prevalent literary devices (as you would for a NC analysis). Use your background knowledge to shed light on how the devices function within the story Develop some foundational themes

Thesis time! Don’t forget tenets of thesis: � interpretive/argumentative � specific/precise � accurate � deep Include in your thesis how the author is commenting on A (the relevant element of the context) by using B (literary device) to say C (the message of the text)

Wrapping Up. . . Texts exist in some framework of history � Know the framework! � Ask 1) “What’s happening at this time? ” 2) “What is author saying about it? ” Hist. /Biog. Criticism involves authorial intent more than any other criticism � Criticisms are distinct, but related

Wrapping Up. . . Like any other criticism. . . ALWAYS go back to the text to prove your thesis! � Move from context � context lens text interpret This is not a historical research paper � Don’t backseat the textual interpretation!

Final Tips. . . Remember: Writing style and grammar count. Hugely. � Write OUTLINES or POST-OUTLINES. � Write MULTIPLE rough drafts. � Be clear. Be fluent. � Use strong, precise verbs in active voice Be specific as you discuss the historical context. Be specific as you connect the historical context to the text itself. Conclusion � Stress importance of the work in relation to historical event/issue

Remember… Literary texts are not created in a vacuum!!!

And … You’re not alone. The writing center is here! Hours: MWF 1 -5 p. m. ; T/TH 12: 30 -5 p. m. M-TH 7 -11 p. m. (Yes, we’re open evenings!) Workshop Information Posted Online Here: http: //www. cedarville. edu/Offices/Writing. Center/Workshop-Information. aspx