Literary Analysis Essay Graphic Organizers !
Half-inch binder page 46
One way to connect with text is to think about it metaphorically. For example, to
understand General Zaroff better, you might construct an ingredients list. Just as a food
product’s packaging must list the food’s ingredients from the most prevalent to the least,
you would list Zaroff’s character traits from the the most prevalent to the least (see
below).
The Ingredients List
Area of analysis: character
Explanation: see above
Possible resulting thesis sentence:
Connell constructs Zaroff’s character
through what he does, what he says,
and what Rainsford thinks of him.
Snapshots
Area of
analysis:
plot
Explanation:
Using lines,
divide a piece of
paper into 3 rows and 4 columns.
Pretend you have been given one
disposable camera with 12 exposures
on it. Your job is to photograph the 12
key plot points in a work of literature.
Possible resulting thesis sentence:
The tension in “The Most Dangerous
Game” reaches its climax through three
kinds of
action: . . .
Brake Pedal, Accelerator Pedal
Area of analysis: character
Explanation: Draw a car’s brake pedal and
accelerator pedal. In the brake pedal, list
the forces that slow a character down. In
the accelerator pedal, list the forces and
character traits that accelerate his thinking
or behavior.
Possible resulting thesis sentence:
Rainsford’s experience being hunted,
though terrifying, caused him to. . . 1, 2, & 3.
Snow Globe
Area of analysis: setting
Explanation: Ever seen a
snow globe at at tourist
trap? It includes the most
important attractions for a
city. A San Francisco snow
globe might have the
Golden Gate Bridge, the trolley system,
Chinatown, and Alcatraz Island.
Draw a snow globe for “The Most Dangerous
Game.” Include the most important parts of
the physical setting.
Possible resulting thesis sentence:
Connell uses the sea, the castle, and the
island jungle to test Rainsford, resulting in . . .
What’s In Your Wallet?
Area of analysis: character
Explanation: Draw a wallet. Think about your character
and decide what he might have in his wallet. What photographs? Credit Cards,
membership cards, discount cards, loyalty cards? How much money, and what
denomination? Any notes?
Possible resulting thesis sentence: Connell brings out Zaroff’s past during his
long conversation with Rainsford to establish that . . . 1, 2, 3 and 4.