In an analysis, wow do I make sure my interpretations are correct or acceptable?

Posted in My Past

Here are some suggestions on how to ensure your interpretations are strong and well-supported:

Ground Everything in Textual Evidence (This is the MOST Important):

Your interpretation must always be directly supported by specific words, phrases, sentences, images, actions, or structural choices from the story.

Think of the text as your lawyer’s evidence. You can’t just say something is true; you have to show the jury (your reader) the proof from the source.

For example, you can say “The man was sad” IFF you can point to specific words or actions that show sadness (e.g., “his shoulders slumped,” “he spoke in a monotone”).

Explain the “Why” Thoroughly (This is Your Analysis):

Don’t just quote the text and then state your interpretation.
You need to build the bridge between the two.

Explain how the specific words or literary devices in the quote lead you to your conclusion.

Use analytical language:

“This suggests,”
“This implies,”
“This highlights,”
“Carver’s use of [device] here emphasizes [idea] because…,”
“The contrast between X and Y reveals…,”
“The repetition of Z underscores…”

Example (related to the baby quote):

Don’t just quote about pulling baby and saying how it shows they are selfish.

First, use find synonyms for ‘selfish’, i.e possessiveness and selfishness.

Then use some key words or short phrases from the quote and use it in your descriptive sentence.

———— “keyword from quote” ————– “phrase” ————

like this: “When Carver describes the man feeling ‘the baby slipping out of his hands’ and both parents pulling ‘very hard,’ this physical struggle implies a desperate, almost violent, possessiveness.

Be verbose, explain some more and be obvious about it. From this point, you want to explain how the words “slipping,” “pulling hard,” and the action of pulling demonstrate possessiveness and selfishness).

The fact that they are focused on pulling rather than the baby’s comfort or safety suggests their own desire to ‘win’ the conflict outweighs their concern for the child, highlighting their selfishness.”

Focus on Literary Devices:

Since it’s a prose analysis, connect your interpretations to how Carver is writing.

How does the

  • symbolism
  • imagery
  • diction (word choice)
  • syntax (sentence structure)
  • irony
  • understatement
  • etc.

contribute to the meaning you’re interpreting?

For example…you do it like this:

Given quote: “He felt the baby slipping out of his hands and he pulled back very hard. But she was holding on to the baby too. She would not let go.”

(Explanation of Devices Leading to Conclusion)
Here’s how you could break down that quote in your analysis:

Carver’s prose in this moment is intensely focused on action and physical sensation, creating a visceral image of the conflict. When the narrator states, “He felt the baby slipping out of his hands,” the diction (“slipping”) and the appeal to tactile imagery immediately convey a sense of precariousness and loss of control. This isn’t a gentle handover; the baby is unstable, actively being pulled. The phrase “pulled back very hard” uses simple, forceful diction (“pulled,” “very hard”) and describes a determined, almost violent action. This choice of words emphasizes the sheer force being applied.

Together, this focus on forceful action, simple but impactful diction, and the imagery of a precarious grip transform the baby from a child into an object of contention. The physical act of pulling the baby between them symbolizes the violent disintegration of their family unit. The fact that they are applying “very hard” force and risking the baby “slipping” implies that their desire to possess or win is overriding concern for the baby’s safety, leading directly to the conclusion that their conflict is not only intense and destructive but also dangerously selfish, causing immediate harm to the innocent life caught in the middle.

In summary, the process is:

  1. State the Quote.
  2. State the Interpretation/Conclusion the quote helps support.

    3. Identify specific words, phrases, or actions within the quote.
    Name the literary device(s) associated with those specific words, phrases, or actions (e.g., diction, imagery, action, symbolism, repetition, parallel structure).
    Explain HOW that specific device/word/action works – what feeling it evokes, what idea it suggests, what picture it paints.
    Connect HOW it works back to your overall interpretation/conclusion. Use linking phrases to show the relationship (e.g., “This suggests,” “This implies,” “This highlights,” “This contributes to,” “This reveals”).
    By doing this, you show your reader not just what you think the quote means, but why you think it means that, based directly on the author’s writing choices.