Can you suggest a good *reference* book for literary analysis?

[ChrisN in NY]

Does such a thing exist? I spent quite a bit of time (made longer with our dark-ages dial up connection) browsing at amazon.com without any success.

Thanks a bunch!
ChrisN

[cajun.classical]

Does such a thing exist? I spent quite a bit of time (made longer with our dark-ages dial up connection) browsing at amazon.com without any success.

Thanks a bunch!
ChrisN
Chris,

What are exactly are you looking for? Something in depth and complete or something to introduce you to literary analysis. I have a Master's in Literature; the standard literary handbook is the Handbook of Literature by Holman. This is a complete dictionary of literary terms, but is probably not what you are looking for. It won't teach you how to analyze literature.

My suggestion is to pick up a used copy of a Freshman level college literature text. They are cheap and readily available. Norton and Prentice Hall have good ones. They are usually called Introduction to Literature or something like that. X.J. Kennedy puts out a good one. Can't remember the name right off, but I used in an AP English class that I taught. Perrine Sense and Sound is another good one.

The great thing about these books is that they teach literary analysis. They will introduce a term, define it and then present examples of analysis, including how to write a literary paper complete with sample papers. I've gotten tons of these books at library sales for $1.00. Unless you are looking for something really in depth, this is likely all you'll need.

If you want exact titles to search for, let me know and I'll look them up for you.

[kate in seattle]

A fun book to read might be "How to Read Literature like a Professor". It discusses several different aspects of literary analysis. The last chapter is a short story and you are aksed to write an analysis. Then he explains all the things in the story you should have picked up based on the knowledge gained from reading the book. This should be available used on amazon, or even at your library.


kate in seattle

[ncmomo3]

A fun book to read might be "How to Read Literature like a Professor".

kate in seattle
:iagree: (I just HAD to use the new smilies)

I just bought that book and am half-way through it. It is wonderful and I will be requiring all kiddos to read it in high school.

[Laura Corin]

A fun book to read might be "How to Read Literature like a Professor".
kate in seattle

Laura

[Lori D.]

Covers 40 literary elements, each in 3 pages:
- defines the literary element
- gives examples of the literary element from classic literature
- has exercisese to practice using/finding the literary element
- has suggested writing or other activity to practice the literary element

While this is not your typical reference book to sit on the shelf, we found Figuratively Speaking to be helpful exposure to literary elements and how they are used. We did about 2 a week, taking about 10 minutes per session, finishing the book in a school year.

If you're looking for a more formal reference resource, the college reference books suggested in the above posts sound really interesting. Best of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

[HeatherC]

It's available through Amazon.com.

[MIch elle]

Handbook to Literature (http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_harmon_handbook_10/39/10119/2590684.cw/index.html)is it.

[Beth in Central TX]

As part of my self education, I have used Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing by Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. I believe I have an older edition that I purchased for under $5 on Amazon. The book is broken up into 3 different sections: Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. I think it's a great reference book to have on hand, and I used it to help me with examples as we worked through CW Poetry for Beginners this year.

[ChrisN in NY]

I appreciate all the suggestions.

As to what I was looking for, I'm not sure that I really knew!

All your replies helped me see the bigger scope here, and I will probably get the Handbook to Literature along with How to Read Literature Like a Professor to get me started.

I'll have to save the college-level text for when I have more time, but I've added it to my list!

ChrisN

[MIch elle]

Painless Poetry (http://www.amazon.com/Painless-Poetry-Mary-Elizabeth/dp/0764116142/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205535376&sr=8-1). It's at the library and it's cheap to buy too. Once you learn the lit. terms with poetry they're easier to spot in longer literary works.

Good Luck!

[ChrisN in NY]

Painless Poetry (http://www.amazon.com/Painless-Poetry-Mary-Elizabeth/dp/0764116142/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205535376&sr=8-1). It's at the library and it's cheap to buy too. Once you learn the lit. terms with poetry they're easier to spot in longer literary works.

Good Luck!

Hey, thanks Michelle! I love it when I can get a book @ the library first, or even if I can look at it at my local B&N!