Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Organizing the Critical Essay
Focus on a Major Issue
For unity and coherence, work toward an interpretation that adds up and that is systematically supported; ask “What question am I trying to answer? What is the issue that I’m going to solve or focus on?” Narrow down a large, sprawling subject.
Follow a Logical Order
Avoid a chronological order; avoid a thinly disguised plot summary; restrict your use of chronological order to situations where it serves a definite purpose. When you do present material in chronological order, make your reader see that this is the most effective procedure for getting a view of the whole. When you trace the spiritual growth of a major character, for example, you may have to follow the major stage presented in the work, but, in general, try to abandon chronological order. Instead, focus on given points of evidence from different parts of the same work. Arrange your material under several logical headings and supporting evidence should be brought in from different parts of the work for each heading.
Comparison and Contrast
Consider other works by the author, or by other authors that point out dramatic similarities or differences.
Work toward Synthesis
Experiment with patterns of organization that allow you to work conflicting elements into a more comprehensive perspective. Try to find different versions of the same idea, several ways of looking at the same thing. Work in a dialectical fashion, from thesis through antithesis to a hoped-for synthesis.
Some Guidelines for Critical Writing
Use Citations
Make generous use of the author’s own words. Make ample use of striking, revealing, memorable quotations, but always be analytical and interpretive. This is called citing from the “primary source” which is the best source for support. Secondary sources take the form of books and journal articles (see above). Be careful to use valid secondary sources; avoid encyclopedias and non-academic web sites. Strong papers will make use of scholarly research.
Focus on Subjectivity
Explain and defend your personal likes and dislikes, but base subjective judgment on objective fact.
Remember Art
Do not quote from an imaginative creation as if it were a documentary report or a sociological study. Art is not a photographic reflection of historical reality. Before you cite a novel or a play as evidence of actual historical conditions, remember that an author may idealize or satirize, glorify or belittle.
Consider Style and Rhetoric
Make an effort to get into the spirit of the work, to respond to its characteristic method. Pay attention not merely to what is said, but also to how it is said. Consider how the style contributes to communicating the theme.
Don’t Ape Critics
Repeat critical opinions only if you have questioned them or made them truly your own. Do not simply substitute a critic’s ready-made opinion for your own honest interpretation and reaction. If you cite a critic approvingly, show why you think he or she is right.
From: http://earthshine.org/taxonomy/term/6
Focus on a Major Issue
For unity and coherence, work toward an interpretation that adds up and that is systematically supported; ask “What question am I trying to answer? What is the issue that I’m going to solve or focus on?” Narrow down a large, sprawling subject.
Follow a Logical Order
Avoid a chronological order; avoid a thinly disguised plot summary; restrict your use of chronological order to situations where it serves a definite purpose. When you do present material in chronological order, make your reader see that this is the most effective procedure for getting a view of the whole. When you trace the spiritual growth of a major character, for example, you may have to follow the major stage presented in the work, but, in general, try to abandon chronological order. Instead, focus on given points of evidence from different parts of the same work. Arrange your material under several logical headings and supporting evidence should be brought in from different parts of the work for each heading.
Comparison and Contrast
Consider other works by the author, or by other authors that point out dramatic similarities or differences.
Work toward Synthesis
Experiment with patterns of organization that allow you to work conflicting elements into a more comprehensive perspective. Try to find different versions of the same idea, several ways of looking at the same thing. Work in a dialectical fashion, from thesis through antithesis to a hoped-for synthesis.
Some Guidelines for Critical Writing
Use Citations
Make generous use of the author’s own words. Make ample use of striking, revealing, memorable quotations, but always be analytical and interpretive. This is called citing from the “primary source” which is the best source for support. Secondary sources take the form of books and journal articles (see above). Be careful to use valid secondary sources; avoid encyclopedias and non-academic web sites. Strong papers will make use of scholarly research.
Focus on Subjectivity
Explain and defend your personal likes and dislikes, but base subjective judgment on objective fact.
Remember Art
Do not quote from an imaginative creation as if it were a documentary report or a sociological study. Art is not a photographic reflection of historical reality. Before you cite a novel or a play as evidence of actual historical conditions, remember that an author may idealize or satirize, glorify or belittle.
Consider Style and Rhetoric
Make an effort to get into the spirit of the work, to respond to its characteristic method. Pay attention not merely to what is said, but also to how it is said. Consider how the style contributes to communicating the theme.
Don’t Ape Critics
Repeat critical opinions only if you have questioned them or made them truly your own. Do not simply substitute a critic’s ready-made opinion for your own honest interpretation and reaction. If you cite a critic approvingly, show why you think he or she is right.
From: http://earthshine.org/taxonomy/term/6
