Citing evidence in literary analysis | Reading | Khan Academy

Summary

This instructional video emphasizes the importance of evidence in literary analysis. It explains the necessity of backing up arguments with explicit or implicit evidence from the text and provides a detailed example of analyzing a character's behavior change in a fictional book. The video guides viewers on how to find, select, and utilize strong evidence to support their interpretations and arguments, encouraging them to reconsider their theses if evidence is lacking.

Takeaways

• 📚 In literary analysis, evidence is crucial for building arguments about a text, which can be explicit (stated in the text) or implicit (inferred from clues).
• 🔍 To support an argument, one must find specific details in the text that demonstrate the points being made, such as changes in a character's behavior.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Look for interactions between characters in the text to find evidence that supports your analysis, focusing on dialogue and actions.
• 📖 If evidence is lacking for an argument, consider searching other parts of the book or acknowledging that the argument may be weak and needs revision.
• 📝 Incorporate evidence into your analysis by citing explicit examples with page numbers to back up your claims.
• 🌟 Highlight both the negative and positive changes in a character's behavior to show development, using direct quotes and actions as evidence.
• 🤔 Consider implicit evidence, such as a character's actions that speak louder than words, to support your analysis.
• ❓ When selecting details, ask how they relate to your argument and whether they are repeated or significant throughout the text.
• 🔗 Connect the details you've found back to the central ideas of the text to strengthen your argument and show a deeper understanding.
• 🎯 Choose the strongest evidence that supports your idea, and be prepared to adjust your argument if the evidence does not align with it.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is on the importance of citing explicit and implicit evidence in literary analysis to support arguments about a text.

Why is it necessary to use evidence in literary analysis?

Using evidence in literary analysis is necessary because it strengthens arguments and inferences about a text, ensuring that conclusions are backed by specific details from the text rather than being based on personal feelings alone.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit evidence?

Explicit evidence is information that is directly stated in the text, while implicit evidence is based on clues or details that suggest certain interpretations, even if not directly stated.

How does one find evidence to support an argument in a book?

To find evidence, one should look for interactions between characters that are relevant to the argument, and then closely examine the prose and dialogue to identify details that support the point being made.

What should one do if they cannot find evidence for their assertion?

If evidence cannot be found, one should consider searching different parts of the book or acknowledging that the argument might be weak and may need to be revised or abandoned in favor of a new argument.

How does the example of Captain Bigsby and Eniola illustrate the use of evidence in analysis?

The example shows how explicit evidence, such as dialogue, and implicit evidence, such as actions, can be used to demonstrate a character's change in behavior towards another character over the course of a story.

Why is it important to use strong details when gathering evidence?

Strong details are important because they provide more compelling support for an argument. They are often more specific and directly related to the points being made, making the analysis more convincing.

How can the central ideas of a text be connected to an argument?

By identifying the central ideas or themes of a text, one can connect specific details back to these ideas and then link them to their argument, creating a cohesive and well-supported analysis.

What is the significance of the book title 'To the Burbling Deep' mentioned in the script?

The book title 'To the Burbling Deep' is a fictional example used in the script to illustrate how to find and use evidence in literary analysis. It serves as a practical demonstration for the viewers.

What advice does the instructor give regarding the selection of evidence for an argument?

The instructor advises choosing the pieces of evidence that provide the strongest support for the idea and to be prepared to change the idea itself if the evidence does not match the initial argument.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Evidence in Literary Analysis

The instructor introduces the concept of using explicit and implicit evidence in literary analysis. They explain that arguments about a text should be supported by evidence from the text itself. Explicit evidence is directly stated in the text, while implicit evidence is inferred from clues within the text. The instructor uses an example of a pirate captain's behavior change towards the main character to illustrate how to find and use evidence. They emphasize the importance of looking for specific details in the text that support the argument and suggest that if evidence is lacking, it might be necessary to reconsider the argument. The instructor also provides examples of how to cite evidence with page numbers and discusses the use of implicit evidence, such as actions that suggest a character's feelings or traits without being explicitly stated.

05:01

🔍 Choosing Strong Evidence and Adapting Arguments

The instructor concludes by emphasizing the importance of selecting the strongest evidence to support an argument. They advise that if the evidence does not support the initial idea, it may be necessary to revise the argument. The instructor encourages learners to be adaptable in their approach to literary analysis and to remember that evidence should be the foundation of any argument made about a text. The summary ends with a reminder that learning is a flexible process and that one can learn anything, signed off by David.

Keywords

💡Explicit Content

In the context of the video, 'explicit content' refers to the evidence that is directly stated in the text, which is a crucial aspect of building a solid argument in literary analysis. The instructor clarifies that the video will not contain any inappropriate material but will instead focus on the explicit evidence from the text to support interpretations and arguments. An example from the script illustrates this when discussing the change in the captain's behavior towards the main character, which is supported by direct quotes from the book.

💡Inferences

Inferences are conclusions or suppositions that are drawn based on evidence. In literary analysis, as explained in the video, inferences are integral to forming arguments about a text. The instructor emphasizes that inferences must be grounded in evidence from the text, whether explicit or implicit. An example is the inference that the captain's behavior changes, which is backed by specific interactions and dialogues between the captain and the main character.

💡Evidence

Evidence in the video script pertains to the textual details that support an argument or analysis. The instructor stresses the importance of tying conclusions back to evidence found within the text. Evidence can be explicit, directly stated in the text, or implicit, inferred from clues or context. The script uses the captain's dialogue as explicit evidence of his behavior towards the main character.

💡Argument

An argument in the context of the video is a claim or point of view that one is putting forth in literary analysis. The instructor advises that arguments must be supported by evidence from the text. The script provides an example of an argument about the captain's change in behavior, which is then substantiated by evidence such as his interactions with the main character.

💡Textual Analysis

Textual analysis is the process of closely examining a text to uncover its meaning and themes. The video instructs viewers on how to perform a textual analysis by identifying explicit and implicit evidence to support arguments about a character's development or a theme. The script demonstrates this by analyzing the captain's behavior towards the main character in a fictional book.

💡Implicit Evidence

Implicit evidence is suggested or implied rather than directly stated. The instructor explains that while explicit evidence is directly quoted from the text, implicit evidence requires the reader to interpret actions or situations to support an argument. An example from the script is the captain tending to the main character's broken leg, which implies care and respect without directly stating it.

💡Character Development

Character development refers to the way a character changes over the course of a story. The video uses the captain's transformation from being dismissive to respectful as an example of character development. This concept is central to the video's theme of change and growth, as it illustrates how characters can evolve, which is a common theme in literature.

💡Central Idea

The central idea or theme of a text is its main message or the overarching concept that the author is trying to convey. The instructor suggests that understanding the central idea can help in connecting the details found in the text to the overall argument. In the script, the instructor hypothesizes that one central idea of the fictional book could be recognizing potential in others, which is reflected in the character development of both the main character and the captain.

💡Supporting Details

Supporting details are specific pieces of evidence that reinforce an argument or analysis. The video emphasizes the importance of selecting the strongest and most specific details to support an argument. The script provides an example of the captain's rude command to clean the portholes as a supporting detail for his initial dismissive behavior towards the main character.

💡Theme

A theme in literature is a message or lesson that the author intends to convey through the story. The instructor in the video suggests that identifying the theme can help in crafting an argument. The script hypothesizes a theme of recognizing potential in others, which is used to connect the character development of both the main character and the captain to the overall message of the story.

Highlights

Explicit evidence in literary analysis refers to evidence stated directly in the text.

Implicit evidence is based on clues or inferred from the text.

Arguments must be built on explicit or implicit evidence from the text.

Inferences and conclusions should be supported by specific evidence.

The importance of not relying on personal feelings without textual evidence.

Example of analyzing a character's change in behavior towards the main character.

Seeking out parts of the book where characters interact to find evidence.

Analyzing dialogue and actions for strong, specific details that support an argument.

Acknowledging a weak argument and considering a new approach if evidence is lacking.

Incorporating evidence into an analysis with explicit citations.

Using explicit examples to illustrate a character's behavior change.

Recognizing implicit evidence through a character's actions, not just words.

Understanding how a character's dialogue implies certain traits or feelings.

The value of strong details in providing compelling evidence for an argument.

Considering the repetition of details and their significance in supporting an argument.

Connecting details to the central idea of the text to strengthen an argument.

The potential theme of recognizing potential in others and character change.

Advice on choosing the strongest evidence to support an idea and revising the idea if the evidence doesn't match.

Transcripts

- [Instructor] Hello readers.

The following video contains explicit content.

Uh, okay, not in the way you're thinking.

It doesn't contain violence, obscenity or profanity.

Or even anything that wouldn't appear in a G-rated movie,

but it will contain explicit evidence.

Yes, we're talking about citing evidence

in literary analysis.

When you're talking about a text

and making arguments about it,

in order to successfully build that argument,

you must make inferences and draw conclusions.

And those must be built

on the back of evidence.

Both explicit, that is stated in the text,

or implicit or based on clues or evidence in the text.

So your responsibility is to tie

those conclusions or inferences back to explicit

or implicit evidence in the text.

It can't just be,

"This is a feeling I have."

It has to be, "My feeling about this is backed up

by this specific evidence."

Say you're trying to be make an argument

in a book that the captain of this pirate ship,

let's just say, I guess, he's a birdman.

That's what I drew, he's a birdman.

He's really unkind to the main character

in the beginning of the book,

but changes by the end of the book

and treats everyone, including the main character

with respect and courtesy.

So I'm gonna write that my argument

is that the captain's behavior changes

towards the MC, the main character.

I have to back that assertion up with evidence.

So how do we find those details?

First, you have to seek out parts

of the book where the captain

and the main character interact.

Then look closely at the pros and dialogue.

What are the details that prove your point?

Which are the strongest, most specific details

that say, "Oh, yes, here is where

the captain is being mean.

Here is where the captain is being respectful."

If you can't find evidence for your assertion,

first, try searching in a different part of the book.

Or importantly, acknowledge the possibility

that you might have a weak argument.

Maybe it's time to start over

and find a new or different argument to make

and find support for.

Once you've assembled your evidence

work it into your analysis.

"Captain Bigsby is dismissive

and rude to Eniola when she first joins

the crew of the pirate ship Albatross," I might say.

And then back it up with an explicit

example of Captain Bigsby being dismissive

and rude with a page number citation like so.

On page 34 of "To the Burbling Deep,"

Bigsby says to Eniola, "You there, what's her name!

These portholes need to be scrubbed yesterday.

Get to work!."

"Yes, sir, Captain," Eniola said.

"But my name is-"

"Does it look like I care?" the captain snarled.

But by the end of the story,

when Eniola has proven her worth,

saved the day, and humbled the captain,

he treats her, and everyone around him,

with much greater respect and deference.

On page 225, after Bigsby tends to Eniola's broken leg,

he tells her, "Eniola, that was some

mighty fine pirating you did.

You showed no fear when you punched that kraken,

and more importantly, you showed no fear

when you stood up to me.

I was wrong, and I have been a jerk, and I am sorry."

Now both of those examples use explicit evidence

where Captain Bigsby is being a jerk

and then when he is apologizing for being a jerk.

There's also implicit evidence too.

Bigsby tends to Eniola's broken leg.

So while he's not saying,

"I will take care of you little buddy," with his words,

he is saying it with his actions.

And in that first example

when he demands that Eniola clean the portholes,

he's not literally saying, "I'm impatient,"

But by saying, "They need to be scrubbed yesterday,"

as an immediately because you already messed up,

he's implying that he's impatient.

Now there is no such book that I know

of about a kraken punching girl pirate.

But if we're lucky, my friend Jordan will write one.

Remember to use strong details to get good evidence.

There might be a part of "To The Burbling Deep"

where Captain Bigsby huffs angrily

at Eniola but doesn't say anything,

and that's mean or, at least, impolite,

but it's not as strong as him yelling at her.

So when you find the detail, ask yourself,

how does that detail related back

to your analysis or your argument.

Is it repeated?

Does that detail or detail similar to it

appear elsewhere in the text?

And if you see a lot of similar details,

how do those details prove the argument

that you're trying to make?

If you have a sense of what the central idea

or ideas of the text is,

try to connect those details

back to that central idea and then connect

that central idea to your own argument.

I don't know what "To the Burbling Deep"

is about 'cause I made it up 20 minutes ago.

But maybe one theme in it

is that it's important to recognize

the potential with another people.

And that can be both true for Eniola

who becomes a hero and punches a giant octopus monster,

but it can also be true of Captain Bigsby

who occupies kind of antagonistic role

and then changes through the story.

And so we can build our argument around that idea

that character change is possible.

Not just for the main character,

but for everybody.

So that's where I will leave you.

Remember to choose the pieces of evidence

that give you the strongest support

for your idea and if the evidence

doesn't match your idea,

you might need to change the idea itself.

You can learn anything. David out.