Response to Literature

Interpreting a Story

A response essay is a short piece of writing in which you:

• retell key events in the story,
• interpret the theme of the story,
• show how the development of the main character relates to the development of the theme.

The idea of interpreting a story may intimidate some of you. Yet, keep in mind that interpreting means examining the important events in the story and understanding how they reveal a message about life or human nature. Developing this understanding is sometimes called gaining an insight. 

Traits of a Response to Literature

3 traits relate to the development of the content and the form. They also provide focus during pre write, drafting, and revising.

• ideas: Write a statement that explains the focus of your response and select details that support it.
• organization: Organize your response.
• voice: use a voice that shows interest in the topic and reflects your overall feeling.

3 traits that relate to form.

• word choice: Use specific nouns and storing verbs.
• sentence fluency: write sentences that flow smoothly and are easy to understand. 
• conventions: Correct all grammar, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation errors. 

PREWRITE

Select your point.

TOPICS TO CHOOSE FROM, FOR YOUR RESPONSE TO LITERATURE BASED ON THE GIVER BY LOWRY

• HOW DOES THE GIVER CHANGE JONA´S LIFE AND HIS PERCEPTION OF THINGS.
• DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE WRONG CHOICES, AS SUGGESTED BY THE GIVER?
• HOW DOES RITUAL CONTROL THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY?
• DISCUSS THE IDEA OF "SAMENESS". HOW DOES THIS PLAY OUT IN JONA´S COMMUNITY AND WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
• IS JONAS CORRECT IN SAYING THAT "WITHOUT MEMORIES ALL IS MEANINGLESS"?
• PRECISE LANGUAGE IS OFTEN USED AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL CONTROL. CHOOSE 2 OR 3 WORDS USED IN THE SOCIETY THAT DISTORT OR CONCEAL THE MEANING OF THE WORDS  TO PROMOTE RULES AND DESCRIBE HOW THEIR USE AFFECTS THE BEHAVIOR OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY. 

Identify the main character and theme.

 Identify the key events that teach the character something about life (theme) Choose events that change or provide example of your character in that way.


Write a clear focus statement for your essay.

Now that you have identified the character and theme (what the main character learns, you are ready to write your focus statement.

SELF CHECK

Decide on your organization patters.  Write a topic sentence for each middle paragraph.

After you write a focus statement, the next step is to plan the middle paragraph of your essays. Each middle paragraph should include a topic sentence and deal with one key even. 

OUTLINE

Keep in mind the 3 parts of a response to literature essay.

Beginning- the beginning paragraph introduces an important character and states the focus of your interpretation. 
FOCUS STATEMENT As he struggles with his injuries, Adam learns that art can help heal his body and mind.

Middle- FOUR TOPIC SENTENCES
Adam´s problems start when he hits the car, injuring his legs and his left hand. 

One day during the next spring, Adam´s life begins to change.

The art class teaches Adam about drawing and about life.

At the end of the summer, Adam suddenly shifts his focus from drawing to building.

Ending - the ending paragraph explains and summarizes the theme. 

CLOSING SENTENCES  
In the same way, art trains Adam to think about what is around him rather than thinking only about himself. 

Write a topic sentence for each middle paragraph.

After you write a focus statement, the next step is to plan the middle paragraph of your essays. Each middle paragraph should include a topic sentence and deal with one key even.