Reading the text for the first time. On this level (after the first impression is gotten) it is possible to define such parameters as:
1.1. Is it a whole text or an extract
1.2. The general idea, theme (what is this text about)
1.3. The functional style;
1.4. The problems which are raised in the text
1.5. The genre
1.6. the cultural and historical background
1.7. the form (layout)
2. Reading the text for the second time and preparing for the detailed analysis. While reading, it is useful to mark the important phrases, to define the main theme parts, etc. which will help to make a more detailed analysis. The following parameters could be analysed on this level:
2.1. Content.
Under this parameter I suggest to define the main idea, the problem, and to divide the text into theme parts for the analysis.
• The main idea *
• Message (keys, Symbols)*
• Purpose*
• Problem /conflict (man to man; man to nature; man to himself; man to society)*
2.1.1. Setting
Helps to understand the atmosphere, reasons why characters behave in such way, why such language is used, etc. Setting lends the unity to the novel, is created by the language and helps to understand the atmosphere and the reasons of action in different setting.
• Time: clock time, calendar time, seasonal time, historical time) *
• Place: physical (geographical, weather, etc.); non-physical (background, mood, culture)*
Types:
Neutral (not important, just a place where the action take place)
Spiritual (the value embodies in physical setting; there is no easy relationship between physical setting and moral value)
Dynamic (the setting may take on the role of a character)
Function
As a metaphor (the setting projects the internal state of the characters or a pervasive spiritual atmosphere)
Atmosphere(a mood, emotional aura suggested by the setting and helping to establish the reader’s expectations)
2.1.2. Point of View
This parameter is very important as it introduces the speaker and helps to identify from which subjective opinion characters are introduced and evaluated, his attitude to others, his mood, his occupation, etc. and the circumstances when the events happened.
• POV
• Who is a narrator (occupation, social position, education, relationship, etc.)
• 1st person narration/3rd person narration/ figural narrative situation/ mixture *
• Why he tells the story
• To whom
• Inner thoughts and remarks
• Main postulates of that time
2.1.3. Characters
The importance – they made the core of the plot.
The following parameters helps to understand the main physical and character features of the character, helps to find out reasons for some his deeds, his relationship also depends on these parameters as in most cases it is dictated by the social status and occupation.
• How many characters?
• Main/secondary (Why minor characters are introduced – their role)
• Physical description ( how a character is described also could help to find out the author’s attitude to the character)
• Education, occupation
• Social status
• Manner of Speech, inner thoughts
• Manners
• Habits, Hobbies
• Relationship and the role in conflict
• Reams Dreams? plans thoughts
• The past, present, future
• Typical ideas
• Attitudes (to each other)
• Author’s attitude to a character
• The position of character
• Flat/round *
• Static/dynamic *
2.2.FORM * (Think how it will be numbered/graded in your system)
2.2.1. Language
1. Points recognisable from eye-level – Capital letters, the change of type, graphic of the text, abbreviations
2. Style: formal, informal, semi-formal, poetic.
3. Syntactic peculiarities of the text: types of sentences prevailing, rhetorical questions, inverted phrases, parallel constructions,
4. Special choice of the vocabulary: terms, dialecticism, slang, idioms,
5. Tone/atmosphere (dialogs, monologues represent it) – serious, light, ironical, humorous.
6. Verbal and non-verbal element, which completes the first one.
7. Types of speech – dialogs, monologues, inner thoughts, dreams, remarks, flashback.
2.2.2. Organisation. Plot line.
Helps to see the order of the events and their connection to each other helps to see the behaviour of characters and their development, introduce a story to a reader and keep he/she keeps his/her interest till the end.
• It should be logical
• Should have such compositional elements as introduction, complication, turning point, resolution
• All compositional elements should be logically interconnected
• The order the parts of the plot are introduced (introduction -> resolution/ resolution-> introduction (why the author decided to start from the resolution?)
* modifications