Fiction analysis PLAN

Fiction analysis

1. The text is titled…by…talks about … .

2. The text under analysis belongs to fiction. The genre is a short story/ a novel/ a poem.

3. The text belongs to aesthetic sphere of communication. It addresses a wide circle of readers, because it explores universal themes and emotions that are relatable to people of different backgrounds.

4. The main functions of the text are aesthetic, emotive, and expressive, because the text aims to create artistic value, evoke emotions, and convey the character’s or author’s inner world through vivid imagery and stylistic devices.

5. The type of thinking reflected in the text is figurative, as the author conveys ideas through imagery, symbols, and comparisons rather than logical argumentation, appealing to the reader’s imagination and emotions.

6. The form of the text is written. E.g. It is inductive contemplation (from particular to general), as the narrative begins with specific events or details and gradually leads the reader to a broader understanding or conclusion. It is a mixed form, combining monologue and dialogue to reveal both internal thoughts and interactions between characters.

7. Типы эпизодов: (plot/climax/denoument)

• The extract presents a single episode. It does not have a clear beginning, climax, or end, but focuses on a particular moment or feeling in the character’s life. Используется, когда отрывок просто «вырван» из середины главы и показывает, например, размышления или разговор.

• The extract includes one self-contained episode with a definite plot: an introduction, a turning point, and a resolution. Это часто встречается в коротких рассказах или сценах, где есть событие и его итог.

• Типично для модернистских или психологических произведений:

The extract consists of a series of short scenes or thoughts. There is no strong external action, but the inner development of the character is shown.

• Очень частый случай — отрывок только вводит в сюжет:

The extract is the beginning of a chapter. It sets the scene and introduces the characters, but does not yet include a climax or resolution.

• Часто используется как приём раскрытия прошлого героя:

The extract contains a flashback that reveals important events from the character’s past and adds context to their present situation.

8. How many characters are mentioned and described in this text passage?

• Один главный персонаж

The extract mentions and describes a single character. This character is central to the plot and is presented in a detailed, multifaceted way, making them a round, three-dimensional character who acts like a real person. The character undergoes some change over the course of the passage, making them a dynamic character. This character could be either the protagonist or antagonist, depending on the context.

• Один главный персонаж с минимальной характеристикой

The text focuses on one character, but not much is revealed about them. The character is presented in a simplistic, one-sided way, and their actions or motivations are not fully developed. The character remains static throughout the passage.

• Два персонажа с различным уровнем раскрытия

Two characters are mentioned in the extract. One of them is well-developed, with emotional and visual portraits given in great detail, making them a complex, many-sided character. The other character, however, is portrayed in a more superficial or one-dimensional manner. The main character appears to be dynamic, while the secondary character remains static.

• Количество персонажей не указано, но характеристика одна

The number of characters is limited (only one or two are mentioned), and the description reveals them as flat or undeveloped. These characters are presented in a straightforward manner, with little emotional or psychological depth. Their roles seem secondary, and they do not undergo any change in the course of the story.

• Протагонист/антагонист

The extract features one or two main characters, and the primary character can be identified as either the protagonist or antagonist. The protagonist is described in depth, with complex emotional and visual portraits, whereas the antagonist may be less developed but still plays a key role in advancing the plot.

9. Descriptions of characters

(a) The author presents a direct description of the main character’s appearance. The character’s physical traits, such as facial features, posture, and expression, are described, giving the reader a clear visual image of the character.

(b) The author provides enough information to draw a mental portrait of the character. Along with appearance, the reader learns about their clothing, manners, and lifestyle, helping to form a full picture of who they are.

(c) Implicit information about the character is conveyed through their actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. The reader learns about the character’s inner world, motivations, and values through these indirect descriptions.

10. Literary trend of the text

The literary trend of the text is realism. The events seem true to life, and the characters act like real people. The story shows everyday situations, which makes it easy for the reader to understand and relate to.

11. The author’s presence

The author’s presence is non-committal, and we see the events through the eyes of the main character. The story is told by a third-person omniscient narrator, who knows everything about the characters and events but does not take part in the action.

12. General tone

The general tone of the text passage is neutral and descriptive, as the author presents the events and characters in a calm, balanced way, without strong emotional coloring, allowing the reader to interpret the situation independently.

13. The context of the text passage

The context of the text passage is clear-cut and easy to follow, though it leaves some room for reflection on the deeper meaning and the emotions of the characters.

14. The leading theme of the text passage

The main theme of the text passage is how a character behaves in certain situations (like difficult or easy circumstances). The author shows how these situations affect the character’s emotions or thoughts. This theme is developed through smaller ideas, like challenges, relationships, or personal changes. The main idea stays consistent throughout the text.

15. Cohesion

E.g. The sentences in the passage are grammatically and semantically interconnected. The author uses mostly nouns and verbs to develop the plot and describe the characters. The verbs are mainly in the past tense, as the events are told retrospectively, though present forms may appear to create vividness. There is little use of pronouns, which helps avoid ambiguity. Sentences are connected through repetition of key words and linking phrases (such as however, then, so, therefore), which help to maintain logical flow.

The text includes elements of anaphora (references to earlier parts of the text), which strengthens cohesion and helps gradually reveal the meaning. In general, the structure of the passage is coherent and easy to follow.

16. Symbols

E.g. Yes, there are several symbols in the text… They represent…

They help to reveal the deeper meaning of the story and express the author’s ideas indirectly. The symbols represent important themes such as life, death, freedom, time, or emotional states. Through them, the reader gains a better understanding of the characters’ inner world and the general message of the text.

17. Place

Where is the scene described in the text passage set in?

(a) The scene is set in …

(b) the place is not mentioned but...

18. Flaschbacks

There is one (two) definite flashback(s) when the main character remembers…

19. Presentation facts

The presentation of facts in the text is scenic, because the events are shown in detail and the reader can imagine the scene clearly. The focus is on one or two specific places, and the description helps to create a vivid picture of the setting and atmosphere.

20. My opinion