This document provides an introduction to literature and strategies for reading, discussing, and writing about literary works. It discusses active reading techniques like making connections, asking questions, and visualizing. It also covers annotating texts, participating in discussions, and writing responses by making connections between works, incorporating textual evidence, and using the literary present tense. The document emphasizes reading holistically, discussing works honestly and thoughtfully, and being creative in essay titles and discussions.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
LITERATURE
A Beginner’s Guide

2. Chapter 1: Reading
Literature

3. Reading to Connect to
Others
Shared and Communal
Source of ideas, challenges, and meanings
Invitation to understanding, empathy, sympathy,
judgment, compassion

4. Active Reading
Sense-Making Activity
Personal knowledge & experience
Prior knowledge, attitudes & assumptions to text
Engaging with Texts
Need to be competed by the reader’s mind
Readers bring text alive
Responding Individually
Meaning comes from interaction between text and
reader
Re-read a second time
Constantly changes

5. Active Reading (2)
Reading Holistically
Entire being is involved in reading
Anticipate. Make judgments.
“Not a spectator sport.”
Responding Attentively
Pay attention to the way things are written as well as
what is said
Techniques used
Image characters, form mental images, visualize
locations and the series of actions
Asking Questions

6. Chapter 2: Writing in
Response to Literature

7. Writing in the Margins
Mark Up the Text
Underline sentences/phrases
Flag Key Sentences
Talk Back to the Text
Comments in the margin about particular areas of text
Jot Comments on the Text
Agree or Disagree
Write Notes about the Text
Definitions and Explanations
Sample Student Annotation – page 23

8. Discussing Literature
Preparing
Do reading before class
Think about the reading
Write down questions and points to make
Participating
Honesty, alertness, questioning attitude,
willingness to “stick one’s neck out”
QUALITY not Quantity
Taking Notes

9. Discussing Literature > Using
Discussion Boards
Ask Questions
Answer other people’s questions
Write comments expressing what you would
have said in class
Extend class discussion
Follow online etiquette

11. How to Write about
Literature

12. Making Connections
Topic
Connection between pieces
Outline
Similarities and Differences (Aside from the
obvious)
Organization
Thesis Statement
Page
s 34-
35

13. Incorporating Text
Follow this formula:
Claim (Thesis Support, Topic Sentence)
Textual Evidence (Usually direct quote or
paraphrase)
Analysis/Discussion as the evidence relates back
to your claim.
Don’t forget to cite your quotes/paraphrase!
Page
41

14. Writing the Essay
Use “Literary Present”
In discussion literature, everything continues to happen
in the present
Introduction
Always introduce the author, work and main elements
being discussed.
In Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, she uses
irony to show her true feelings on the idea of arranged
marriages.
Conclusion
Wrap up the essay with a final thought.

15. A Few More Things..
Titles of essays should NOT be “Essay 2” or
“Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.” Try to be
creative!
MLA Formatting
Short stories and poem titles are written in
quotation marks.
“The Tell-Tale Heart”; “homage to my hips”
Plays and films are written in italics.
Sure Thing; Batman Begins
Page
s 52-
54

17. Fiction, Poetry,
Drama, & Film
Common Attributes

18. Commonalities
What elements do they have in common?
Theme
Symbolism
Characters/Personas

19. Everything is Connected
Fiction > Poetry
Characters, Language
Fiction > Drama
Characters, Plot
Poetry > Drama
Language, Oral