Analyzing Texts: Constructing Meaning with Metalanguage
Explore the construction of meaning in a text through the author's use of metalanguage, examining social, historical, and cultural values embedded within the text. Understand how textual evidence supports analysis and interpretation, recognizing the text's openness to diverse interpretations. Discover the significance of using appropriate metalanguage to enhance expression, discuss authorial intentions, and add sophistication to analysis.
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Using more metalanguage in your Reading & Responding essay etc
Analysis of the ways in which the author constructed Analysis of the ways in which the author constructed meaning in the selected text with meaning in the selected text with use of appropriate metalanguage metalanguage, , and analysis of the and analysis of the social, historical and/or cultural values cultural values embodied in the selected text embodied in the selected text use of appropriate social, historical and/or (8 marks) (8 marks) Ability to draw on textual evidence to support analysis and Ability to draw on textual evidence to support analysis and develop an interpretation and a demonstrated develop an interpretation and a demonstrated understanding of the understanding of the ways in which the text is open to ways in which the text is open to different interpretations different interpretations (8 marks) (8 marks)
use of appropriate use of appropriate metalanguage social, historical and/or cultural social, historical and/or cultural values values ways in which the text is open to ways in which the text is open to different interpretations different interpretations metalanguage, , 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3.
Use of appropriate metalanguage. Reasons for using Reasons for using metalanguage Enhances your expression (Makes it easier to discuss things in detail) easier to discuss things in detail) Keeps you talking about the author's intention intention Adds sophistication metalanguage: : 1. 1. Enhances your expression (Makes it 2. 2. Keeps you talking about the author's 3. 3. Adds sophistication
You are expected to be able to identify and actively use the appropriate metalanguage to discuss the texts. Some of the most useful metalanguage words are: author: authorial voice point of view: first, second, third person, omniscient narrator, unreliable narrator characters: protagonist, antagonist, secondary character structure: framed narrative, epistolary, exposition, turning points, climax, d nouement, resolution, flashback, conflict style: framed narrative, metaphor, simile, motif, imagery, symbolism, tone, irony
How to use metalanguage. Look for ways in which you can insert words like Look for ways in which you can insert words like these into your paragraphs. For example, instead of these into your paragraphs. For example, instead of writing, writing, In the story , In the story , write, Throughout the write, Throughout the narrative, narrative, . . It helps if you have a list of useful It helps if you have a list of useful metalanguage words in front of you when you are writing your words in front of you when you are writing your essay. essay. metalanguage At first, you may need to At first, you may need to force yourself to use them. them. yourself to use
Example sentences Avarind Adiga explores the idea of corruption nd greed in the framed narrative that is The White Tiger. Adiga s framed narrative gradually reveals . The metaphorical title alerts the audience to the significance of . The setting of Balram s India as portrayed by Adiga is seen as . The theme of survival links characters together by The protagonist of the text, Balram, invites/evokes sympathy/empathy/condemnation because In The White Tiger, Adiga explores the theme of capitalisation gone wrong against a backdrop of corruption and greed... In his novel The White Tiger, Avarind Adiga challenges beliefs that
Example sentences Avarind Adiga s symbolic use of the chandelier alerts the reader to the idea that Balram is As the motif of the chandelier reappears throughout the narrative, the reader understands that Adiga s purpose is to reveal Balram s greedy and superficial characteristics. Adiga exposes the ugly and metaphorically cannibalistic habits that those who refuse to acquiesce to the demands of a life working for the capitalist machine inevitably succumb to.
Example sentences The Black Fort is thrice seen in the narrative: at first it is the unattainable dream of Balram s, and later we see it as the surmountable, the conquered. Adiga s metaphorical use of the Black Fort in this way underscores the changes the protagonist undergoes as the narrative tracks from initial conflict to its resolution.
1. use of appropriate metalanguage, social, historical and/or cultural social, historical and/or cultural values values 2. 2. 3. ways in which the text is open to different interpretations
social, historical and/or cultural values social, historical and/or cultural values Include in your discussion some references Include in your discussion some references to: to: The caste system The caste system Poverty Poverty 1947 1947 The rooster coop The rooster coop The grandmother/father/family The grandmother/father/family religion religion
social, historical and/or cultural values social, historical and/or cultural values To flag that you are including To flag that you are including discussion which takes into account discussion which takes into account values , use the following sorts of values , use the following sorts of words: words: Endorses, challenges, exposes, condemns, Endorses, challenges, exposes, condemns, questions, leaves unanswered, approves questions, leaves unanswered, approves
social, historical and/or cultural values social, historical and/or cultural values Synonyms for presents Shows Illustrates Demonstrates Suggests Conveys Implies Indicates Signposts Signals Signifies Synonyms for presents positively Supports Endorses Recommends Advocates Promotes Synonyms for presents negatively Challenges Criticises Exposes Critiques Questions
social, historical and/or cultural values social, historical and/or cultural values Examples: Examples: Adiga Adiga condemns condemns the caste system as a cruel the caste system as a cruel andunjust andunjust tradition with no place in modern tradition with no place in modern India. India. In characterising the protagonist in this way, In characterising the protagonist in this way, Adiga Adiga challenges challenges the reader s usual the reader s usual understanding of the limitations of humankind understanding of the limitations of humankind
http://www.vcestudyguides.com/text- response-fulfilling-the-vcaa-marking- criteria-views-and-values
1. use of appropriate metalanguage, 2. social, historical and/or cultural values 3. ways in which the text is open to different interpretations
ways in which the text is open to different interpretations. Signpost this to the assessor by However, this might also be seen as .(something different) 1. Or put another way: First reading, second reading 1.
At first, the reader may feel sympathy for the untenable situation Balram finds himself in, but as the narrative unfolds the reader is alerted to the distinctly callous nature of Balram and his sunsequent unforgivable act of violence.
1. use of appropriate metalanguage, 2. social, historical and/or cultural values 3. ways in which the text is open to different interpretations
