Critical Analysis Guide

Instructions: This guide is organized by literary elements or big ideas. Just as you consider all elements
every time you read, you should consider this guide in its entirety each time you read. Add quotations and
analysis in the different big ideas with each reading. Follow these steps to complete your reading and this
guide.

Step 1: Begin by breaking your reading into chunks.

Step 2: Read and annotate. Consider using a specific pen or sticky note color to track each big idea. Upon
completing a section, review your annotations and choose quotations to include in your analysis in this
guide.

Step 3: Record important quotations in their corresponding big idea, including the speaker if applicable
and the chapter and page number. Quotations should come from throughout the text.

Step 4: Comment on the function of the excerpt you have identified as significant. Do not merely write,
"This shows Heathcliff's character" or paraphrase the quotation. Instead, explain how the selected lines
function within the big idea you've selected; elaborate on the purpose and effect.

SAMPLE entry

Character
Chapter, Page #, Speaker Quotation Commentary
if applicable

Chapter 11, page 101,
Heathcliff
"Cathy, this lamb of yours
threatens like a bull!" he said.
"It is in danger of splitting its
skull against my knuckles. By
God! Mr. Linton, I'm mortally
sorry that you are not worth
knocking down!"
Heathcliff reveals his complete
disdain for Edgar. Even though Cathy
has already married Edgar, Heathcliff
still behaves as a rival for her
attention. Heathcliff addresses Cathy
as if Edgar were not there. The animal
metaphor develops Heathcliff's cruel
nature and conveys contempt for
Edgar, as if he were a dumb animal.
By using “lamb,” Bronte makes it
apparent that Heathcliff considers
Edgar weak and meek.

Title of the work:

_________________________________________________________________

Author: _________________________ Publication Date: _________________

Character
Choose quotations that reveal complexities in the character, develop a relationship between
characters, show how the character fits an archetype, or indicate a change in that character.
Aim for 2-3 entries for main characters and 1 or more entries for minor characters who serve a
purpose in the novel.

Chapter, Page #, Speaker if Quotation Commentary

applicable
Narrator
Choose quotations that reveal the point of view and its effect, show how details, diction, or
syntax reveal the narrator's perspective, or portray how the narrator's reliability affects the
narrative. Aim for at least 2 entries per narrator.

Chapter, Page #, Speaker if Quotation Commentary

applicable

Setting
Choose quotations that reveal the setting, show the relationship between setting and character,
or portray the setting functioning as an archetype or symbol. Aim for at least 2 entries per
significant setting.

Chapter, Page #, Speaker if Quotation Commentary

applicable
Structure
Choose quotations that portray significant events or a related set of events that contribute to
the meaning of the work as a whole, develop a conflict, or employ contrasts. Aim for the
following:

 Significant events: 2-3 entries

 Conflict: at least 2 entries
 Contrasts: at least 1 entry

Chapter, Page #, Speaker if Quotation Commentary

applicable
Figurative Language
Choose quotations that contain diction that contributes to tone, convey recurring symbols and
imagery that contribute to the larger meaning of the work, and use simile, metaphor,
personification, and allusion for particular effects. Aim for the following:

 Diction / Tone / Tone shifts: at least 2 entries

 Symbols: at least 1 entry
 Imagery: at least 2 entries
 Figurative Language: at least 1 entry

Chapter, Page #, Speaker if Quotation Commentary

applicable