10th Grade:
The Catcher in the Rye:
Inductive Analysis Project

Write Away:
What is hard about writing?

What are the steps involved in writing a traditional essay about literature?

1. Thesis statement
2. Topic sentences (to support thesis)
3. Textual evidence (to support topic sentences)

This is "Deductive Reasoning": Start with a premise or answer; find evidence to back it up.

BUT, the real "magic" of inquiry and discovery happens by paying attention to details

you observe, infer, notice patterns, draw connections, slowly building...

Close reading: first step in inductive reasoning: observations and inferences...

That pattern of observations and inferences builds toward your eventual interpretation

Instead of "What is this novel's central message?" I could ask, "What do you notice as you read that seems meaningful?"

This is an INDUCTIVE approach

INductive Approach

• allows for more discovery
• unlocks more meaning
• allows for more variation and unique interpretation
• more playful, interesting, fun

Important to move between the two: observing details, and making larger assertions

1. As you read, collect passages that make you stop and think, or wonder, or feel something

Process:
2. From your "collection" of passages, choose 4 that are related in some way. They should each be a few sentences in length.

Look through your passages. Find 4 that relate in a meaningful, interesting way (imagery, theme, events, emotion, etc.)

3. Pull your 4 related passages into a single document. Double (or even triple) space

4. Print. Then, annotate heavily (why? discovery): observations, inferences, questions, connections

language devices, connotations, double meanings, images, symbols, patterns,

What is the effect of language on the mood, tone, meaning?

How does the passage connect to broader patterns and themes? How does it relate to the other passages?

Example: repetition of the word "freezing": Effect on mood? Connection to themes?

Look for connections among the passages and between the passages and the book as a whole

Product: What I am looking for:
1. 4 passages with thoughtful annotations connecting language to mood, tone, theme

See annotation resources: handouts and posted

2. Each passage has a topic sentence that asserts an analytical IDEA based on the close-reading of that passage.

Topic sentences: Reasonable, yet arguable: can be supported with specific observations/examples from the passage.

3. Finally, a thesis: In CIR
JD Salinger (verb + literary device) to (highlight/illustrate/
emphasize) (something about the book) and (broader truth or theme).

ex: JD Salinger employs intensifying cold imagery to highlight Holden's growing loneliness and to reinforce the human need for connection.

JD Salinger presents a recurring metaphor of Holden concealing an imaginary bullet wound to represent Holden’s repressed emotional pain, and to highlight the shame boys often feel to show emotional vulnerability.

Format:
Top Page:
Heading
Thesis
Topic Sentences

Behind that page:
4 related, annotated passages. (You only need topic sentences for 3.)

Got it?

Good.

How is it Going?

After break:
-Top-down Web
-Draft One
-Feedback and Revision
-Final Draft