What is the first step in analyzing a literary text, according to the video?

Consider the bigger meaning of the story, also known as the theme.

In the context of literary analysis, what are literary elements?

Literary elements are the separate parts of a story, such as character, symbolism, plot, setting, imagery, and tone/mood.

The video uses the example of Cinderella to explain literary analysis. What is the theme the video suggests for Cinderella?

Dreams can come true if you don't give up.

Explain the difference between summarizing a story and analyzing it.

Summarizing a story involves retelling the main events, while analyzing it involves critically examining the separate parts (literary elements) to understand a bigger meaning (theme).

How can the literary element of 'plot' be used to support a theme?

Events in the plot can be used as evidence to support the theme by showing how characters' actions and experiences relate to the bigger meaning of the story.

Finding Themes in Stories

8th GradeELA45 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.rl.8.2

Learning Objective

I can determine a theme of a text and analyze its development throughout the story.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

How to Analyze Literature

HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
When analyzing literature, you are critically examining a text by looking at its separate parts, not just providing a summary.
•
A theme is a recurring idea or insight found in a text, representing a hidden meaning within the story.
•
Common literary elements include character, symbolism, plot, setting, imagery, and tone/mood, all of which can support the theme of a story.

Practice

14 min

10 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“What is one theme of the Cinderella story, and how does the plot support this theme?”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Finding Themes in Stories

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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