Rules Of The Game Analyze Craft And Structure
Introduction
When it comes to analyzing a piece of writing, there are certain rules that you should follow. These rules will help you to better understand the craft and structure of the writing, which will in turn help you to write better yourself. In this article, we will be discussing the rules of the game when it comes to analyzing craft and structure.
Rule #1 - Read Carefully
The first rule of analyzing craft and structure is to read carefully. You need to take your time when reading a piece of writing, paying attention to every detail. This will help you to get a better understanding of the author's style and the structure of the writing.
Rule #2 - Take Notes
As you are reading, it is important to take notes. This will help you to remember important details and to organize your thoughts. You can use a notebook or a computer to take notes, but make sure that you are organized and that you can easily find what you need later on.
Rule #3 - Identify the Thesis
One of the most important parts of analyzing craft and structure is identifying the thesis. The thesis is the main idea or argument of the writing. Once you have identified the thesis, you can better understand the rest of the writing and how it supports the thesis.
Rule #4 - Look for Patterns
As you are reading, you should look for patterns in the writing. This could be patterns in the language, the structure, or the themes. Finding these patterns will help you to better understand the writing and to appreciate the author's craft.
Rule #5 - Consider the Audience
When analyzing craft and structure, it is important to consider the audience for whom the writing was intended. This will help you to better understand the author's choices and to appreciate the writing in context.
Rule #6 - Identify the Tone
The tone of a piece of writing can greatly affect how it is received by the reader. As you are reading, try to identify the tone of the writing. Is it serious or humorous? Is it formal or informal? Understanding the tone will help you to better understand the author's intentions.
Rule #7 - Analyze the Language
The language that an author uses can greatly affect the impact of their writing. As you are reading, pay attention to the language that the author uses. Are there any unusual words or phrases? Does the author use figurative language? Understanding the language will help you to better appreciate the author's craft.
Rule #8 - Look for Symbolism
Symbolism is an important part of many works of literature. As you are reading, look for symbols or motifs that appear throughout the writing. These symbols can help to deepen your understanding of the text.
Rule #9 - Consider the Setting
The setting of a piece of writing can greatly affect the tone and impact of the writing. As you are reading, consider the setting and how it affects the story. Is the setting realistic or fantastical? Does the setting play a major role in the story?
Rule #10 - Identify the Point of View
The point of view of a piece of writing can greatly affect how the story is told. As you are reading, identify the point of view and consider how it affects your understanding of the story. Is the story told from a first-person or third-person perspective?
Rule #11 - Analyze the Structure
The structure of a piece of writing can greatly affect how the story is told. As you are reading, analyze the structure of the writing. Is it linear or nonlinear? Are there any unusual structural choices?
Rule #12 - Look for Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device where the author hints at events that will happen later in the story. As you are reading, look for instances of foreshadowing. This can help you to better understand the story and to appreciate the author's craft.
Rule #13 - Consider the Genre
The genre of a piece of writing can greatly affect how it is received by the reader. As you are reading, consider the genre and how it affects your understanding of the story. Is it a mystery or a romance?
Rule #14 - Identify the Conflict
Conflict is an important part of many works of literature. As you are reading, identify the conflict and consider how it affects the story. Is it a man vs. man conflict or a man vs. nature conflict?
Rule #15 - Look for Irony
Irony is a literary device where the opposite of what is expected happens. As you are reading, look for instances of irony. This can help you to better understand the story and to appreciate the author's craft.
Rule #16 - Consider the Characters
The characters in a piece of writing can greatly affect how the story is told. As you are reading, consider the characters and how they affect the story. Are they well-developed or one-dimensional?
Rule #17 - Look for Themes
Themes are important ideas or messages that are conveyed through a piece of writing. As you are reading, look for themes and consider how they affect your understanding of the story. Some common themes include love, loss, and redemption.
Rule #18 - Consider the Plot
The plot of a piece of writing can greatly affect how the story is told. As you are reading, consider the plot and how it affects the story. Is it a traditional plot or is it more experimental?
Rule #19 - Look for Allusions
Allusions are references to other works of literature or to historical events. As you are reading, look for allusions and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #20 - Consider the Author's Intentions
When analyzing craft and structure, it is important to consider the author's intentions. Why did they write this piece of writing? What were they trying to convey?
Rule #21 - Look for Imagery
Imagery is a literary device where the author uses descriptive language to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. As you are reading, look for instances of imagery and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #22 - Identify the Mood
The mood of a piece of writing can greatly affect how it is received by the reader. As you are reading, identify the mood and consider how it affects your understanding of the story. Is it a melancholy mood or a joyful mood?
Rule #23 - Look for Repetition
Repetition is a literary device where the author repeats a word, phrase, or idea for emphasis. As you are reading, look for instances of repetition and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #24 - Consider the Time Period
The time period in which a piece of writing was written can greatly affect how it is received by the reader. As you are reading, consider the time period and how it affects your understanding of the story.
Rule #25 - Identify the Genre Conventions
Each genre has its own set of conventions that are commonly used by authors. As you are reading, identify the genre conventions and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #26 - Look for Character Development
Character development is an important part of many works of literature. As you are reading, look for instances of character development and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #27 - Consider the Writing Style
The writing style of an author can greatly affect how the story is told. As you are reading, consider the writing style and how it affects your understanding of the story. Is the writing formal or informal?
Rule #28 - Look for Metaphors
Metaphors are a literary device where the author compares one thing to another. As you are reading, look for instances of metaphors and consider how they affect your understanding of the story.
Rule #29 - Identify the Author's Voice
The author's voice is their unique style of writing. As you are reading, identify the author's voice and consider how it affects your understanding of the story.
Rule #30 - Consider the Title
The title of a piece of writing can greatly affect how it is received by the reader. As you are reading, consider the title and how it affects your understanding of the story.
Conclusion
By following these rules of the game when it comes to analyzing craft and structure, you can better understand the writing and appreciate the author's craft. Remember to take your time, read carefully, and consider all of the different elements of the writing. By doing so, you can become a better writer yourself.
