Summary Vs. Analysis
John Dryden was an English poet who has written many influential essays pertaining to literary analysis.
A summary can range from a short description on the back of a DVD case, to a full length detailed movie script, case in point, it is an
accumulation of the happenings in a piece of literature. A summary can be used for entertainment purposes, but also used to relay vital
information, such as a summary of an operation performed by a surgeon.
Analysis:
“Separation of a whole into its component parts”.
This is one of many definitions found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary online. In our case, our definition of analysis should be
something along the lines of taking a piece of literature and breaking it down conceptually. We know what is going on because we read or
are reading the piece of literature! Analysis is going further, why did those things happen? What was the reason for them happening?
This happened clearly because this, this, and this happened, or did it?
An analysis is making an argument about the happenings in a piece of literature and proving, or disproving, by way of reason or opinion,
your original argument supported by details. A SUMMARY can help SUPPORT an ANALYSIS and an analysis can include a
summary, but the two are conceptually quite different.
Photo taken from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/172371/John-Dryden
I thought it was really interesting how you relate a film as a summary. I had never thought of it in that manner, but it certainly is a condensed synopsis of the contents of a literary work when a film is based on a novel! Thanks for the insight!
ReplyDeleteI like how you used films as examples. It was very creative and easy for me to relate to and understand. A film synopsis is a perfect example of a summary. I enjoyed reading your blog, it's very simple but straight to the point. Great job! I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
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