Prose Analysis
Prose Analysis
PROSE ANALYSIS
Prose analysis is an essential skill for high school students, as it helps them develop a
deeper understanding of literary works and improve their overall reading comprehension.
Here are some key points to consider when analyzing prose:
Structure and Organization: Examine how the prose is structured and organized. Look for
the presence of paragraphs, chapters, or sections, and consider how they contribute to the
overall flow and coherence of the piece.
Point of View: Identify the narrator or the point of view from which the prose is written.
Determine whether it is first person (using "I"), second person (using "you"), or third person
(using "he," "she," or "they"). Analyze how the chosen point of view impacts the narrative
and the reader's understanding.
Language and Style: Pay attention to the author's choice of words, sentence structure, and
overall writing style. Look for literary devices such as similes, metaphors, imagery, or
symbolism that enhance the prose. Consider how the author's language choices contribute
to the tone and mood of the piece.
Characterization: Analyze how the author develops and presents the characters in the prose.
Pay attention to their actions, dialogue, and thoughts. Look for character traits, motivations,
and conflicts that drive the story forward and contribute to the overall theme or message.
Theme and Message: Identify the central theme or message of the prose. Consider what the
author is trying to convey about human nature, society, or the human condition. Look for
recurring ideas, symbols, or motifs that contribute to the overall meaning of the work.
Setting: Examine the time, place, and environment in which the prose is set. Consider how
the setting influences the characters, plot, and overall atmosphere of the work. Look for
descriptions that evoke sensory details and create a vivid sense of place.
Plot and Conflict: Analyze the plot structure and the main conflicts in the prose. Identify the
exposition (introduction), rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Consider the
main conflicts, whether they are internal (within a character) or external (between characters
or with society).
Historical and Cultural Context: Explore the historical and cultural context in which the prose
was written. Consider the author's background, the societal issues or events of the time, and
how they may have influenced the work's themes, characters, or style.
Literary Devices: Identify and analyze the use of literary devices such as foreshadowing,
irony, alliteration, or hyperbole. Consider how these devices contribute to the overall
meaning and impact of the prose.
Reader's Response: Finally, reflect on your own response to the prose. Consider how the
work made you feel, what thoughts or questions it provoked, and how it relates to your own
experiences or worldview.
Remember, prose analysis is not just about summarizing the plot. It involves digging deeper
into the layers of meaning, exploring the author's choices, and critically analyzing the literary
elements at play. By practicing these skills, high school students can enhance their reading
comprehension and develop