Literature Textual Analysis Char

 Literature Textual Analysis Char

Exercises:

• Write a brief summary/plot of the work and/or a reader response. Example of Reader Response

From East Goes West by Younghill Kang is a story following an Asian immigrant in his pursuit of the American dream.  The story illuminates the aspect differences that exist between the Asian and American cultures as well as the impact that racism has on the achievement of the promised American dream of opportunities. When the author reaches New York City, he is amazed by the infrastructural growth in existence, which, compared to his homeland, were dream-like. The story highlights on the author’s perception of western learning and its effects in his life, and thus, following the potentials of growth that America offers, he realizes that it is not all as it seems.

Reading the story, I was able to understand the implications that racism had on society. The author’s experiences with the concept of Westernization presented a dream that was, in reality, built on social identity. I was intrigued by how the author employs the contrast of the immigrant’s experiences to his former homeland, identifying with the regrets prompted. The author’s fascination with western learning becomes short-lived when he takes a first-hand dip into the racially affected America. From the story, I was able to learn that not everything is as it seems and the challenges that sprout from blinded expectation. Further, the author proficiently employs various literary elements to improve a reader’s interest and engagement. The use of symbolism, imagery and other figurative language elements in the story develops a better understanding and commitment with text.

• Answer ALL the Discuss Questions at the end of the Reading. (You do not have to do the Writing Topics, although the Writing Topics will help you better think about how to analyze the text)

Discussion Questions Answers

Question 1: The two architectures are distinguished from their development and infrastructure. New York is presented as a beautiful, developed and richly endowed place, while the narrator’s home city is associated with poverty.

Question 2: The narrator’s rebellion resulted from Western education he had received, making him aware of his right to choose. He decided not to marry an older woman as was the custom and decided to struggle with his father on the aspects of Western learning.

Questioned 3: The contrast between Korea and Japan provides an understanding of the author’s dilemma from how Westernization was affecting the traditions. His engagement in Western learning made him seem to conspire against the Koreans with the Japanese while he was a patriot with the hope of using the education against the Japanese.

Question 4: Preservation of traditions, customs and ways of thinking have various advantages and disadvantages with a society. Its preservation is advantageous because it offers a community the ability to retain its social identity. However, it is a disadvantage since it makes a society ignorant of growth and knowledge.

• Using the Annotation Focus Chart below, analyze the theme(s) of the text and how elements of the genre (tone, symbolism, character development, setting, etc.. ) contribute to the writing and theme(s).  Do at least 3 annotations for each reading. You can manipulate the textboxes below to your liking; you can add boxes by copy/pasting or using insert à table; boxes will auto-expand as you fill them in.

• Keep in mind that Theme is defined as a) “Themeis defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work, which may be stated directly or indirectly. Major and Minor Themes are two types of themes that appear in literary works. A major theme is an idea that a writer repeats in his literary work, making it the most significant idea in the work. B) Theme: The main idea that connects all elements of the narrative. Plot : The action that takes place over the course of the narrative. Moral : A lesson that the reader is intended to learn from the plot’s conclusion.