Speak How to Answer Quotation Questions When responding to a quotation question, students must provide the speaker, the context in which the statement is made (when does this statement occur in the story), and finally, the significance of the comment. Students must provide at least two ( types of significance and explain the relevance of each. Significance can be in terms of: revelation of character Which character do you learn more about in this quotation? Does the quotation reveal the character s motivation, traits, emotions, etc.? If yes, then identify them. development of plot or structure Does the quotation reveal the trigger incident, a complication, conflict(s), the climax or a resolution to the story? If yes to any of the above, then explain how. Does the quotation provide plot devices such as flashbacks or foreshadowing? If yes, then explain purpose. 3) establishment of setting and/or creation of mood Does the quotation reveal when or where the story takes place? If yes to any of the above, then explain. Does the quotation reveal cultural, historical, political, socioeconomic conditions of the setting? If yes, then explain how. Does the quotation create a mood? If yes, then identify the mood and explain how it is developed. 4) development of theme Does the quotation reveal a theme (a universal message about human nature or life in general)? If yes to the above question, then reveal the theme in a theme statement and explain how the quotation helps to develop this theme in the story. 5) use of other literary devices. Other literary devices include: Similes Oxymoron Metaphors Paradox Personification Allusions Hyperbole Symbols Suspense and more When identifying literary devices such as the ones in the list above, be sure to explain their purpose in the quotation. 10
Speak Information for Quotation Analysis Mood = emotional effect that the text creates for the audience Positive Mood Words amused awed bouncy calm cheerful chipper confident contemplative content determined dignified dreamy ecstatic empowered energetic enlightened enthralled excited exhilarated flirty giddy grateful harmonious hopeful hyper idyllic joyous jubilant liberating light-hearted loving mellow nostalgic optimistic passionate peaceful playful pleased refreshed rejuvenated relaxed relieved satiated satisfied sentimental silly surprised sympathetic thankful thoughtful touched trustful vivacious warm welcoming Negative Mood Words aggravated annoyed anxious apathetic apprehensive barren brooding cold confining confused cranky crushed cynical depressed desolate disappointed discontented distressed drained dreary embarrassed enraged envious exhausted fatalistic foreboding frustrated futile gloomy grumpy haunting heartbroken hopeless hostile indifferent infuriated insidious intimidated irate irritated jealous lethargic lonely melancholic merciless moody morose nauseated nervous nightmarish numb overwhelmed painful pensive pessimistic predatory rejected restless scared serious sick somber stressed suspenseful tense terrifying threatening uncomfortable vengeful violent worried Theme = the central idea(s) explored by a literary text; the main idea of the text, expressed directly or indirectly Coming of Age Growth and Renewal Common Theme Topics Addressed in Speak Overcoming Obstacles Finding one s identity The importance of speaking up or finding one s voice Appearance vs. Reality The search for Individuality Self-Reflection Stereotypes Perseverance The Importance of Family The Importance of Friends Simile Metaphor Alliteration Irony Personification Hyperbole Imagery Key Literary Devices Oxymoron Paradox Flashback Allusions Symbols Foreshadowing 11
Speak First Marking Period Quotation Analysis Practice Quotations Speaker Context Type of Significance (complete two types) I don t want to be Melinda Melinda is in the Revelation of cool. I want to bathroom with Mood sad, grab her by the Rachel/Rachelle. pity neck and shake her Rachel is and scream at her ignoring her and to stop treating me Melinda is hurt like dirt. She didn t by her former Revelation of even bother to find friend s Melinda s out the truth what behaviour. character kind of friend is Melinda is that? My contact unhappy folds in half under my eyelid. Tears well in my right eye (Anderson 2. Merryweather High Home of the Trojans didn t send a strong abstinence message, so they transformed us into the Blue Devils. Better the Devil you know than the Trojan you don t, I guess (Anderson 4). 3) Revelation of Theme Friendship is very important in establishing social positions. Proof (one for each type) Tears well in my right eye (Anderson 2. I want to grab her by the neck and shake at her to stop treating me like dirt (Anderson 2. 3) She didn t even bother to find out the truth what kind of friend is that? (Anderson 2. (an explanation for each type) Although the folded contact makes Melinda s eye tear, she is truly evoking a sense of pity from the reader as she has been clearly abandoned by her former best friend. Melinda is greatly wounded by Rachel s unjust treatment of her. She is disappointed by Rachel s lack of understanding and support. 3) A true friend would care and Rachel shows no concern for Melinda. This apparent disregard for Melinda s feelings angers Melinda and leaves her as an outcast. 14
Speak Second Marking Period Quotation Analysis Practice Quotations Speaker Context Type of Significance (complete two types) Why is it so hard to make friends here like you don t care that people talk about you behind your back (Anderson 34). Proof (one for each type) (an explanation for each type) David stares at Mr. Neck, looks at the flag I have never heard a more eloquent silence (Anderson 57). I laugh in spite of myself..i place of piece of tape over Barbie s mouth (Anderson 64). 17
Speak Third Marking Period Quotation Analysis Practice Quotations Speaker Context Type of Significance Proof (complete two types) (one for each type) (an explanation for each type) You don t like anything. You are the most depressed person professional help (Anderson 105). Melinda, Mr. Freeman says. Snow filters into the car I d like to hear it (Anderson 123). Hawthorne wanted snow to symbolize cold, that s what I think it hushes as still as my heart (Anderson 130). 20
Speak Fourth Marking Period Quotation Analysis Practice Quotations Speaker Context Type of Significance Proof (complete two types) (one for each type) (an explanation for each type) A blister pops and stains the rake handle like a tear. Dad nods and walks to the Jeep, keys jangling in his fingers. A mockingbird lands on a low oak branch and scolds me. I rake the leaves out of my throat (Anderson 168). I ride like I have wings. I am not tired. I don t think I ll ever have to sleep again (Anderson 190). Me: I said no (Anderson 195). 23