Analyzing Texts Using Inductive Reasoning in Literary Interpretation
Utilizing inductive reasoning in literary interpretation involves examining specific details within a text to develop a debatable thesis statement supported by trends, patterns, and connections found in the material. This analytical approach requires a methodical breakdown of a writer's techniques to uncover their purpose, emphasizing the importance of textual evidence to substantiate interpretations.
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Introduction to Literary Interpretation A.P. ENGLISH 12 GRIMSLEY HIGH SCHOOL MR. ALBERT
The Scientific Method Define (or refine) the question Observe and research Test: find more data, analyze, evaluate Hypothesize
Inductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning, involves going from a series of specific cases/details to a generalized thesis statement. The conclusion in an inductive argument is never guaranteed but is DEBATABLE (i.e. A GOOD THESIS STATEMENT!). Example: What is the next number in the sequence 6, 13, 20, 27, There is more than one correct answer.
Inductive Reasoning Here s the sequence again 6, 13, 20, 27, Look at the difference of each term. 13 6 = 7, 20 13 = 7, 27 20 = 7 Thus the next term is 34, because 34 27 = 7. However what if the sequence represents the dates. Then the next number could be 3 (31 days in a month). The next number could be 4 (30 day month) Or it could be 5 (29 day month Feb. Leap year) Or even 6 (28 day month Feb.)
How Does This Apply to English? When you analyze a text, you want to use inductive reasoning. Look at selection of detail, quotes, figurative language, diction, setting, plot, etc. to guide your analysis. Make comparisons and contrasts. Find trends, patterns, and connections in the text. Use those details to support your inductively derived thesis statement: a debatable statement that you can now prove!
Some Necessary Clarifications: English is not the art of making stuff up. Accidental fallacy, an immature approach: good writers are professionals who choose words on purpose as their career; therefore, we don t accept that their diction, syntax, figurative language, etc. is accidental, just like we wouldn t assume that a professional basketball player made a goal on accident. Analysis breaks down the mechanics of HOW a writer achieves his or her purpose Analysis is NOT how you feel about a topic or whether you agree with an argument presented in a text. You may even find yourself writing about stuff you don t know much about, don t care about, or don t agree with
Some Necessary Clarifications: Textual Evidence What evidence did the reader present from the text to support the interpretation? Support your interpretation!: direct quotation purposeful paraphrase (vs. simple retelling or summary) occasionally treated by inference
Another Way to Look at It: Like the Scientific Method Make observations (in diction, syntax, figurative language, etc.) on your first reading and use those observations to extrapolate a hypothesis. If your observations sufficiently support your hypothesis If your observations are too insufficient to support your hypothesis Turn that hypothesis into a thesis and continue to gather supporting evidence Revise your hypothesis and repeat until you have enough evidence to create and support a thesis
Below are two pieces of poetry about Icarus, the boy in Greek mythology who, when learning to fly in order to escape the Minotar s maze, flew too close to the sun and fell to his death in the sea, despite his father s warning against flying too high. Write an essay in which you compare the way the poems present the story of Icarus. You may want to consider the parts of the story each poem emphasizes. You might consider specific elements such as selection of detail, diction, tone, imagery, and structure. Whatever elements you choose to discuss, quote from the poems to provide evidence for your assertions about the attitudes of the poets toward Icarus. To My Friend Whose Work Has Come to Triumph The Death of Icarus . . . with melting wax and loosened strings Consider Icarus, pasting those sticky wings on, Sunk hapless Icarus on unfaithful wings; testing that strange little tug at his shoulder blade, Headlong he rushed through the affrighted air, and think of that first flawless moment over the lawn of With limbs distorted and disheveled hair; the labyrinth. Think of the difference it made! His scattered plumage danced upon the wave, There below are the trees, as awkward as camels; And sorrowing Nereids decked his watery grave; and here are the shocked starlings pumping past O'er his pale corpse their pearly sea-flowers shed; and think of innocent Icarus who is doing quite well: And strewed with crimson moss his marble bed; Struck in their coral towers the passing bell, larger than a sail, over the fog and the blast And wide in ocean tolled his echoing knell. of the plushy ocean, he goes. Admire his wings! Feel the fire at his neck and see how casually he glances up and is caught, wondrously tunneling ---Erasmus Darwin 1731-1802 into that hot eye. Who cares that he fell back to the sea? See him acclaiming the sun and come plunging down while his sensible daddy goes straight into the town. ---Anne Sexton 1928-1974
Sample questions to ask yourself: What do you notice about the titles? What is the difference in tone between the two poems? What word choice and end marks indicate this? What point was each poet trying to make? What selection of detail supports that point? Are there any sound elements like alliteration that can further help our interpretation?
Publish your work: When you ve finished your readings and observations, present a well- supported, articulate, argument Include multiple pieces of evidence (textual and secondary when appropriate) so others can recreate your findings If you re ever unsure on formatting, attribution, etc. ASK, use your Grimsley Style Guide, or go to Purdue s Wise Owl
Closure What are the steps of the scientific method and how do those relate to interpreting literature? Any questions on upcoming assignments, summer reading, or class procedures
