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1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part
of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone. We hope that through this material, you will experience
meaningful learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant
competencies. You can do it!
iii
Let Us Learn
I am pretty sure that you have enjoyed engaging yourself in learning and doing
the activities in the previous lessons. Congratulations! You have shown your interest
in learning. Let me take you to another interesting lesson that will engage you in
interesting activities that I have made in this module.
In this module, we will be learning how to analyze a text and how to write a
critical interpretation of a text using the reader-based approach focusing on a literary
work from North America.
Learning Competency:
• Writing a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts, applying a
reading approach, and doing an adaptation of these, require from the learner
the ability to identify: representative texts and authors from Asia, North
America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa (EN12Lit-IIa-22)
Let Us Try
15. In the fourth stanza of the poem “The Raven”, what does the writer see
when he opens the door?
Lesson
North America Literary
1 Works and Authors
North America’s literature was formed by its history and culture. North
America is rich in poetry, drama, fiction, social and literary criticism since 17th
century. The American literature is divided into five periods: the colonial and early
period (17th century to 1830), the romantic period (1830-1870), realism and
naturalism (1870-1910, the modernist period (1910-1945), and the contemporary
period (1945 to present).
Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He was born
on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri. Mark Twain was the fifth child of
Marshall Clemens, a country merchant, and Jane Maupton Clemens, a housewife.
Mark Twain was one of the greatest writers in American literature where he
wrote several genres and contributed a lot in the literature. Among his works are the
stories of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The story of Tom Sawyer evolves on the life of a playful and creative boy who lived
with his aunt Poly. Commentaries stress out that the story of Tom Sawyer reflects
the childhood adventure of Mark Twain. Moreover, the story of The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn tells the story of a young lad who goes on an adventure of a lifetime,
along with the people he interacted and met in his journey. It details his life, his
struggles and how he overcame each. Among Mark Twain’s works are The Prince and
the Pauper (1881), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1889), Joan of Arc
(1896), and more.
One of the renowned writers in the world is Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe
is one of the most influential American writers in 19th century. His contribution in
the literature draws everyone’s attention especially his style of writing in gothic
literature. Most of Poe’s works are based on his personal experiences. Among his
well-known works is the poem of “Annabel Lee”, which narrates the love of a man to
Annabel in a kingdom by the sea. Poe narrates how Annabel Lee was killed and how
his husband longed for her. Another Poe’s classic work is the short story of “The
Cask of Amontillado”, which features of a man’s revenge because of receiving insults.
In this story, Poe’s emphasizes the results of jumping into things without thinking
its consequences. Among Poe’s well-known works are To Helen (1831), The Raven
(1845), The Tell-tale Heart (1843) , Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841) , A Dream
Within a Dream (1849) and many more.
One of the female American writers is Lousia May Alcott. She created a
different style in writing by allowing readers to view women’s strengths and worth.
Alcott came from a poor family but brought fame in the family because of her writing.
One of Alcott’s best novels is the story of “Little Women” in 1868. It tells the story of
the March sisters; Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. The story delves into their lives, their
journey from childhood, to the “so called little womanhood” and to womanhood.
Among Alcott’s works are the sequels of Little Men (1871) and Jo’s Boys (1886, and
more.
Source: https://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/literature/20-best-american-authors/
Lesson
Textual Analysis
2
If you are required to write a “Text Analysis” of a material which you have
read, do not fret or agonize over what it means or what needs to be done. Text
Analysis only requires you to analyze the text you are reading or have read. In
analyzing the content, you can do this by going through it in detail and not just
casually describe the text. The important things for you to remember are to enlighten,
to describe, to examine and to defend your personal reactions or analysis of the text.
Now, in making a textual analysis, below are the following pointers you can use.
A. 1st Reading: Absorb the story. Do not try to analyze or over-analyze the text
on the initial attempt in reading the text. Try to enjoy and really learn about
what the text is all about, have fun with it and try to get into the characters
of the story.
B. Identification: Try to identify what you liked or did not like about the story,
or which character stood-out for you and which ones you think were not
needed.
C. Proceed to the 2nd Reading: This is intended for you to make notes on how
the story unraveled, how the characters interacted and what were your
feelings as you read the text.
D. Do a 3rd Reading: This is intended for you to organize your thoughts, to
eliminate or add certain details that you think are necessary for you to
complete the analysis.
E. Consider the following questions in formulating your analysis;
• What is the text all about?
• What story is it trying to convey?
• Who are the characters and how each impacts the other characters?
• Who are the protagonist, and the antagonist?
• Which part of the text was the turning point of the whole story?
As you proceed with the analysis, it is best to identify the elements surrounding
the text.
1) Plot is the series of events in the text that helps complete the story. It shows
how the story unravels and progresses in its timeline. It can be noted that it
has five (5) main elements; exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and
resolution. (https://literaryterms.net/plot)
The above example introduces you to Barry’s character and his conflict
(exposition) of wanting to express his feelings for Iris. Then followed by the
(rising action), and as he proceeds to enter the place where she works. The
peak or (climax) is present as Barry took a step toward Iris, ready to blurt out
his feelings. The (falling action) was exemplified when Eddie walks in which
stopped Barry from his plans. Eventually reaching the (resolution) that it was
best to just head home and not pursue Iris anymore. Knowing this allows you
to truly determine the flow of the story which would then guide you in
dissecting and analyzing the text at hand.
3) Setting is a literary element that puts emphasis on the time frame and place
of the story. It can be descriptive about the physical location, time in history
and political setting among others. The element of time can be manifested
through the characters, like when and at what period of the character’s life
the story happened. It could be her/his past, present and future. As for the
physical location, it describes the physical make-up of the story; country, city,
area, buildings and homes where the story unfolded.
Example: It was the summer of 2019 when Barry left for New York that
he realized he had feelings for Iris. So, by the end of that year, he heads
home to Ohio believing it best to express what he felt in person. As his
car enters the city of Columbus Ohio, he could not help but reminisce
of the times he spent with Iris. From the high school they went together,
to the park they loved to visit and the coffee shop where she now works.
Time is clearly stated, which is the summer and the end of 2019. As for the
place; it mentioned the city of New York and the city of Columbus Ohio. The
above text did not vividly discuss the city itself but only mentioned the places
Barry and Iris used to visit and hang-out. So if you have not been to the city
of Columbus, you can create a picture in your mind of what the city may look
like by comparing it to your city and given that it was in 2019; it could have
been in a modern setting.
4. Point of View is dependent on who the author choses to convey the story. It
could be in the 1st person, 2nd person and 3rd person. This basically means to
watch out for “who” is talking to you through the text. So, if the text about
Iris is narrated in her point of view, the text may look like this;
5. Theme is probably one of the first things a reader asks about, like “What is
the story about? Or it talks about what?” These questions are very important
to be answered as this draws the reader toward a story or text. The theme
basically guides the author in his track on the way to achieving the fullness
of his/her idea. Themes can be about love, destiny, war and freedom. The
story of Barry and Iris could be placed in the central theme of “Love” but can
also be describe in the context of “Friendship.” Whichever you choose, it is
important to be able to defend your opinion and thoughts on the matter.
Once you get the hang of identifying the elements, you can now use them as
your guide in analyzing every text or story you get your hands with. Just bear in
mind that there are no wrong or right answer on how you perceive or analyze a story
or text. What does matter is your ability to defend this analysis and to back it up
with examples or correlation to the text being read.
Have you read the story of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark
Twain”? I am sure you did! But if not, let us read the text and let us analyze it using
a reader-based approach method.
The whole living with a strict aunt plot and having a drunkard father shows a
very dark element for a story that tackles about a young teen, this is not something
I would initially encouraged to be a reading material for a 12 or 13 years old, although
our main protagonist is around that age. Also, I was taken aback when Huck, Tom
Sawyer and their friends talked about creating a gang, since the word “gang” has a
negative connotation adding that they were scheming to hurt or rob others really
bothered my thought process. Especially when the gang talked about giving up
someone they value, to just be killed off. To think this book has the word “adventure,”
one might just associate this to a child’s play or a cool, amazing, wholesome journey
but even at the onset it can be thought-provoking and bothersome. So, it came as a
relief when whatever they were hatching was just something more of a playful role
playing but never really got acted upon.
When it got to the part where Huck got kidnapped, away from Tom, his aunt
and friends; and having to endure his father’s abusive ways, it hit me hard because
as a young child it was normal for my father to inject corporal punishment and I
never really understood it and so I can relate with Huck’s dilemma. From having to
live with restriction under his aunt and now being kidnapped and abused by his own
father really solidified Huck’s desire to be on his own and seek freedom. This part
was well written, the sequencing and flow allows the reader to extricate the start of
Huck’s personal quest to freedom.
As Huck escaped and met Jim, it opens a wider topic which is very sensitive
even to this day, which is slavery. In the Philippine context, this is not something
we’re exposed to or have a first-hand experience and so it may not be as relatable for
us compared to an American reader. The current situation in the US, with the Black
Lives Matter movement and the George Floyd incident had caused the re-emergence
of the pain and suffering of the past. And so, for the author to find a way to take this
part in a lighter and seemingly funny setting somehow adds to the reader’s desire to
root for Finn and Jim regardless of one’s nationality and skin color. At the same time,
it allows the reader to ponder on the kind of suffering Jim had to go through which
caused him to seek out his own freedom. Slavery in America is deeply ingrained, and
the discrimination of the African American is something that has never really found
resolution to this very day. Although, for Jim; his was a desirable ending.
The book is an exciting read, you can’t help but be amazed and root for the
two main protagonists; it was especially fun when Huck finally teams up with Tom.
With all the mixed-up, confusion and the way they handled the rescue of Jim, this
was one crazy adventure.
Characterization:
As for the characterization, let me focus on the main protagonists and just one
antagonist.
This concept of doing the right thing can be refuted, since Huck helping Jim does
not necessarily fall on the concept of “being the right thing.” At that time, owning
slaves was the norm and if a slave escapes, to recapture them was considered the
right thing to do. So, for Huck to let Jim enjoy his freedom is still a form of rebellion
against a society that proliferated discrimination and racial bias. This form of
rebellion keeps Huckleberry Finn true to his character.
Jim: One of the protagonists of our story, he is described as an adult black slave
who fled from his owner. He can be perceived as somewhat of a father figure and a
friend; his bravery does not shine through the story, but it is present through the
actions he has taken. As an escapee, he was risking his life and he also protected
Huck from the pain of seeing his father dead.
Tom Sawyer: Huckleberry Finn’s friend who was also a misfit, what he considers as
fun could be perceived as dangerous for others. His sense of fun is motivated by
drama, role playing and his imagination at the expense of others. Same as Huck, he
also opted to help Jim; showing the side of him that went against the societal norms;
but unlike Huck, Tom spiced up their planned escape which backfired against them.
Pap Finn: Huck’s father who is homeless and a drunkard managed to kidnap and
hurt Huck. His impact on Huck is evident on the young lad’s desire to find freedom.
Although we do not fully know the beginning of his drunkenness and brutality, it is
safe to assume that Huck will be better off without his father.
Setting:
Set in 1884, a period in American History where slavery is an accepted practice and
most Americans especially ranch owners owned a slave that would work in the farm
with minimal pay. Being black was hard, but the hardest part is realizing that there
was no way out of it. As the new generation of black kids were born so too is the
economic hold of the ranch owners to keep every member enslave.
Point of View:
The book was narrated in the First-Person; which was helpful in digging the
character development of the main protagonist. I don’t normally enjoy this type of
narration using the first person; but The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an
exception.
Theme:
The central theme of the book is “freedom,” as the author stated that both Finn and
the character Jim were on a mission looking for their own kind of freedom.
Were you able to analyze how the story was analyzed using the reader-response
approach?
Let Us Practice
Read the poem of “Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe” and answer the questions that
follow.
Annabel Lee
By: Edgar Allan Poe
Comprehension Questions:
1. Who is the speaker of the poem?
a. Annabel lee c. kinsmen
b. author d. maiden
2. Where does the poem take place?
a. by the sea c. under the sea
b. by the sounding sea d. kingdom by the sea
3. What is the point of view of the poem?
a. First person c. Third Person
b. Second Person d. Fourth Person
4. What is the theme of the poem?
a. revenge c. love
b. freedom d. bravery
5. What is the tone of the poem?
a. anguish c. devoted
b. disappointment d. suffering
6. Who were jealous of their love?
a. maiden c. gods
b. kinsmen d. angels
7. What was sent to kill Annabel Lee?
a. wind c. squall
b. storm d. rain
6. How does the speaker describe his love for Annabel Lee?
a. Annabel Lee longs to be loved.
b. Both shared with a love that was more than love.
c. He loves Annabel Lee because of her beauty.
d. All of the Above
7. What is a sepulcher?
a. jail c. woodland
b. tomb d. beach
8. What does the speaker do each night?
a. He sobs every night.
b. He walks under the sea.
c. He lays by her tomb.
d. He fights the kinsmen.
Let Us Practice More
Activity 3:
Read the summary of the story “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott and answer
the questions that follow.
Little Women
By: Louisa May Alcott
Summary
The March family, headed by a father who is serving as a chaplain in the American
Civil War and a mother who is fondly called by their four daughters as Marmee, is
celebrating their first Christmas without the man of the house as he has been
destined far from home. The March girls—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—who lament
about their poverty and being away from their father, thought of buying themselves
presents in time for Christmas to somehow feel better. Each of them has a dollar to
spend every Christmas but they are reminded to refrain from spending for pleasure
only so they have decided to prepare something instead for their mother.
In the morning of Christmas, Mrs.
March asks her daughters to give
their breakfast instead to Mrs.
Hummel and her six children, a poor
family who lives nearby. The girls
obliged and even helped tend to Mrs.
Hummel’s kids while they visited the
house. Mr. Laurence, an elderly rich
man who lives with his grandson,
Laurie, in the same neighborhood as
the March’s family, must have taken
notice of the family’s generosity as he
sent goodies in the evening of that
day for girl’s Christmas dinner. That’s
how the two families started to get
acquainted.
Laurie got closer to the family as he meets Jo and Meg in a New Year’s party, even
escorting them on their way home because Meg sprained her ankle while dancing.
Of the four, however, he is closest to Jo. Later on, the girls got to meet Mr. Laurence
himself and Beth turned out to be his favorite as he gave her a piano.
The four girls differ in personalities and interests. Meg, who is characterized by being
traditional, works as a tutor. Jo, who loves writing, assists her wealthy great aunt
who is a widow and living alone in a mansion. Beth, who is often shy, stays at home
and helps with household chores. Amy, an artist and a lover of the elegant society,
goes to school.
As the days go on, their personal lives become more interesting with Jo finally trying
to get her novel published, and Meg found herself to be in love with John Brooke,
Laurie’s tutor. One day, Mrs. March had to leave for Washington to tend to Mr. March
who got very ill with pneumonia. Mr. Laurence asked John Brooke to accompany
Mrs. March to which he agreed. That is how he got the chance to confess to them his
love for their daughter, Meg.
Beth, who continued to spend time with the Hummel family, contracted a disease
called scarlet fever. This is the same disease that led to the death of the three
Hummel children. Beth’s condition got even worse so they called for Mrs. March to
be home as soon as possible. Although Beth was able to recover, she remained weak
and lacking in vigor.
After three years, Meg and John got married and became parents to twins. Amy goes
on a European tour with her aunt. Beth continues to weaken. Laurie finally
graduates from college with Jo’s motivation. Jo found out later that Laurie is in love
with her—a feeling she could not reciprocate. She went away hoping to distance
herself from Laurie. She went to New York and met Professor Bhaer who calls her
out for writing romance stories thinking it was beneath her.
Jo’s rejection led Laurie to travel to Europe with his grandfather where he saw Amy
once again. They spend a lot of time together until they have both realized they are
falling for each other. As their love blossoms, Beth’s health deteriorates. Jo devotes
her time in taking care of her until she died. Hearing the news of Beth's death, the
March family gathers. Laurie and Amy got married before going home.
Professor Bhaer, to the surprise of the March family, especially Jo, came to visit. Oh
his last day of visit, he proposed to Jo. Jo accepted the proposal and the two got
engaged. When Aunt March died, she left her large estate to Jo so when Jo got
married to Bhaer, they turned the estate into a school for boys. Jo and Bhaer have
two sons while Amy and Laurie have a daughter.
In her 60th birthday, Marmee celebrates at the estate with her husband, her three
daughters and their husbands; plus, her five grandchildren.
Comprehension Questions:
Let Us Assess
Criteria:
Content - 20pts
Spelling, Grammar, and Mechanics - 10pts
Total 30pts
Analysis
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Let Us Enhance
Activity:
Directions: Read the stanzas of the poems below and analyze its central theme.
Theme: __________________
Theme: __________________________
O Captain! My Captain!
Walt Whitman
Theme: __________________________