Character analysis
How is this character presented in the novel?
Structure
your analysis in the following way:
1.
Introduction (4/5 sentences) a summary of the role of this character in
the novel
2.
Their influence in the novel and how
they are used by Steinbeck to express his message/ themes/ ideas such as loneliness, fragility of dreams, corruption
of power, social structure, racism, gender discrimination, economic context of
the 1930s, etc. (Use PEE)
3.
Different aspects of their personality
(Use PEE)
4.
Their relationships with other
characters (Use PEE)
5.
Conclusion
To achieve level 7 or 8
Go in to more detail by comparing the quotation with
other parts of the book which are either similar or different. Contrast them
(use another quotation where possible) and give your own views, supported by
the text.
Useful phrase: This idea is repeated elsewhere in
the book, for example when .... There is a similar / contrasting idea on page
...
Point – Evidence
(Quotation) – Explanation
Point
Give an answer, explaining the part of the aspect of the character you are
describing and your idea (make sure it is relevant to the question, be concise
and careful with expression)
Sentence
starters:
In my
opinion/ I think that …/ Firstly/ At the beginning of the novel/ However, the
character changes when… / Not only … /Despite the fact that …/ Despite the lack
of … / While …
Expressions:
due
to/ especially as/ which (eventually) leads to/ which means that/ not only …. but
it is also/ a central issue or character is/ Certainly, this is a main theme in
the novel/Certainly, this character is central to the plot because …
Evidence (Quotation)
Try to integrate the quotation – remember it can also be only one word! Use
a comma before the quotation and remember to use quotation marks!
e.g. This is shown in the quote,
“…”
This is suggested with the
quote, “…”
This is implied with the
quote, “…”
When Steinbeck writes, “…”
Key words: After / Before / When … (event)... QUOTATION
Explain
This is the difficult part – analysing the quotation and making it relevant
to the original question.
Begin with a basic analysis:
ü
In this
quotation…
ü
From this quotation…
ü
The description
of … gives an impression/idea about …
ü
This quotation
suggests/shows/reveals the/how/why …
ü
We can infer
from this quotation just how ….
ü
This line
reveals the …
ü
Considering the context, this could link to ...
ü
However, perhaps this indicates ...
ü
Additionally this could be interpreted as ...
ü
This writer uses the word which is important because …
ü
This implies .../ This suggests .../ This shows .../This
reveals
ü
However, on the other hand it might suggest that …
ü
Alternatively, this could be interpreted as a sign of
…
