Dialectical Journals Finding the truth in literature through your thoughts and analysis
What is a dialectical journal (DJ)? dialectical (die-uh-lekt-i-cul), n. : the art or practice of arriving at the truth through logical arguments. journal (JUHR-nul), n. : a personal record of events, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis; a diary.
Huh?! Simply put, if dialectical means the art or practice of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments, then a dialectical journal, is used to arrive at the truth of a written work through the written response to quotations from that work.
What to look for in your reading Whether you are reading a poem, article, short story, or novel, DJ is an essential way to study literature and find a deeper meaning. Some dialectical assignments will ask for you to look for specific items such as, rhetorical devices, author s point of view, or cultural context. Some ask for you to give your thoughts, questions, making connections...
As You Read: Left Side Look for: Quotes that seem significant, powerful, and/or thought provoking. Effective &/or creative use of stylistic or literary devices Structural ***shifts*** or turns in the plot A passage that makes you realize something you hadn t seen before Examples of patterns: recurring images, symbols or motifs. Passages that illustrate a particular character Identify, discuss and track the development of a particular theme A connection/reaction to the text
What do I write? Look for quotes that seem significant, powerful, and/or thought provoking. Effective &/or creative use of stylistic or literary devices Structural shifts or turns in the plot A passage that makes you realize something you hadn t seen before Examples of patterns: recurring images, symbols or motifs. Passages that illustrate a particular character Identify, discuss and track the development of a particular theme A connection/reaction to the text
As You Write: Right Side On the right-side page, write your response to the text (ideas/insights, questions, reflections, and comments on each passage). Do NOT simply paraphrase! Label your responses using the following codes: (Q) Question ask about something in the passage that is unclear (C) Connect make a connection to your life, the world, or another text (P) Predict anticipate what will occur based on what s in the passage (CL) Clarify answer earlier questions or confirm/disaffirm a prediction
As You Write: Right Side (R) Reflect think deeply about what the passage means in a broad sense not just to the characters in the story. What conclusions can you draw about the world, about human nature, or just the way things work? (E) Evaluate - make a judgment about the character(s), their actions, or what the author is trying to say
Level of Response Lower vs Higher
Lower Level Comprehension Give your personal reactions to the passage Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s) Write about what it makes you think or feel, you use I Agree or disagree with a character or the author
Higher Level Comprehension Analyze the text for use of literary devices (tone, structure, style, imagery) and the affect of the devices in the text Make connections between different characters or events in the text Make connections to a different text (or film, song, etc ) Discuss the words, ideas, or actions of the author or character(s) Consider an event or description from the perspective of a different character Analyze a passage and its relationship to the story as a whole
Must do! Include the page number, section
Sample Dialectical Journal entry: THE THINGS THEY CARRIED by Tim O Brien Passages from the text -they carried like freight trains; they carried it on their backs and shouldersand for all the ambiguities of Vietnam, all the mysteries and unknowns, there was at least the single abiding certainty that they would never be at a loss for things to carry (Obrien 2). / Section Comments & Questions (R) O brien chooses to end the first section of the novel with this sentence. He provides visual details of what each solider in Vietnam would carry for day-to-day fighting. He makes you feel the physical weight of what soldiers have to carry for simple survival. When you combine the emotional weight of loved ones at home, the fear of death, and the responsibility for the men you fight with, with this physical weight, you start to understand what soldiers in Vietnam dealt with every day. This quote sums up the confusion that the men felt about the reasons they were fighting the war, and how they clung to the only certainty - things they had to carry - in a confusing world where normal rules were suspended.
Antigone Passages from the text--must quote at least 10 per reading assigned. Make sure to number them. Quote 1) Antigone: Ismene, dear before we come to die, out of the ills, that grow from (Edipus- For there s not harm...scandal or shame...among your griefs, and mine Pg#/ 1/1 EACH Passage you Quote must relate to one of the following codes above. Make sure to use a variety. Using the same codes for most or all of your entries will result in a lower score. Comment/Question E Antigone uses specific words such as die, shame, and grief s. These words convey an emotional response to something weighing heavily on her mind.
More: Left Side Look for quotes that seem significant, powerful, thought provoking or puzzling. For example, you might record: Effective &/or creative use of stylistic or literary devices Structural shifts or turns in the plot A passage that makes you realize something you hadn t seen before Examples of patterns: recurring images, ideas, colors, symbols or motifs. Passages with confusing language or unfamiliar vocabulary Events you find surprising or confusing Passages that illustrate a particular character or setting
More: Left Side Always put quotation marks around what you copy from a book. Then place the author and page number in parenthesis after the quote. (Monahan 34) What you quote does not need to be dialogue (something a character says). Except in the case of a play. Do not let the length of a quotation keep you from selecting it. The important thing is that the quotation makes you think. When you write the quotation down, be sure you include enough surrounding context so that you can remember its importance.
More: Right Side Ask questions you would like to pose to the author. Since the author can t answer you, you will have to write the answers yourself. Make connections between the quotation and whatever it reminds you of from some previous reading, viewing or living experience Provide counterarguments to the quotation you have chosen Analysis of one passage and its relationship to the meaning of the story as a whole Analyze any literary elements (e.g., symbolism, imagery, tone, similes, etc.) as they relate to the work.
Antigone Passages from the text--must quote at least 10 per reading assigned. Make sure to number them. Quote /Section 2) Ismene: Antigone, of our two brothers were bereft, who died both in one day, each by the other s hand (Sophocles, 1) EACH Passage you Quote must relate to one of the following codes above. Make sure to use a variety. Using the same codes for most or all of your entries will result in a lower score. Comment/Question 2 R Ismene and Antigone are talking about the loss of the brothers. This is an emotional time whenever someone loses a close family member. The mood of the characters are saddened with the loss of their brothers.