Dialectic means “the art or practice of arriving at the truth by using conversation involving question and answer.” The “dialectic” was the method Socrates used to teach his students how to be actively engaged in the struggle to obtain meaning from an unfamiliar and challenging work. A dialectical journal is a written conversation with yourself about a piece of literature that encourages the habit of reflective questioning.

You will use a double-entry form to examine details of a passage and synthesize your understanding of the text. There is to be NO collaboration with other students. Any assistance from the Internet, Shmoop or Sparknotes will be viewed as academic dishonesty. Use MLA formatting in order to practice citation.

ALL DIALECTICAL JOURNALS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO TURNITIN

Instructions:

In the TEXT column cite passages verbatim from the novel, including quotation marks and page numbers.

a. Choose one passage for every chapter from the novel.

b. You may choose passages based on details that seem important, significant or interesting to you, if you notice something important about the writer’s style or if you notice effective use of literary devices.

(2) In the RESPONSE column reflect upon the passages

a. Analyze the text (what does it mean?)

b. Analyze the effects (discuss literary devices and what effect they have on theme, tone, structure characterization, etc.)

c. Make connections to any themes or other passages

*Each response must be at least 100 words (include word count

at the end of each response)

– For the summative part, which is what I need I will provide 3 quotes from 3 different chapters of the book, I have already written an analysis part to it but I would like it to be better in relation to connecting it to a theme or having literary features that bring out purpose etc.

I will upload the document that I want to be revised. Try not exceeding each analysis over 200 words.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF AN EXCELLENT ENTRY (from another novel)

Quote: “At Dong Tam I saw something that wasn’t allowed for in the national myth – our capacity for collective despair. … A sourness had settled over the base, spoiling and coarsening the men. The resolute imperial will was all played out here at empire’s fringe, lost in rancor and mud. Here were pharaoh’s chariots engulfed; his horsemen confused; and all his magnificence dismayed. A shithole” (23).

Analysis: The theme of Disillusionment with Long-Held Beliefs is created through metaphors and diction. The diction of the military base “sour[ing]” and “spoiling” adds to the idea of people becoming overused and places becoming dilapidated after lengthy use like fresh fruit souring with time. The empire metaphor is used to describe the United States and perhaps its arrogant approach to the war. It shows how America’s “will” or belief in its invisibility has been shattered at the borders of the empire (Vietnam). The Pharaoh is a symbol for America’s power and its influence over others. However, the Pharaoh’s chariots (U.S. weapons) and the horsemen (soldiers) are weary of the war, becoming disillusioned with the war’s value and America’s invisibility.

(118 words)

[Comment: While still succinct, this student analyzes both the writer’s choices and the effect of these choices. This is an excellent entry. More does not always = better.]

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