Understand the author's purpose in a piece of literary nonfiction, and analyze the techniques and devices used to convey that purpose.
In literature, a writer's purpose is their reason for writing. It can be to inform, to persuade, or to entertain. In literary nonfiction, a writer uses narrative techniques to tell true stories. To analyze the author's purpose in literary nonfiction, you have to consider how the author's choices help them achieve their goal.
Why is analyzing the author's purpose important?
To understand the story, To criticize the author, To ignore the story
When analyzing the author's purpose, you should look at elements such as tone, word choice, and structure. For example, if the author's purpose is to inform, they may use a straightforward tone and present facts in an organized manner. If the author's purpose is to persuade, they may use emotive language and appeal to the reader's emotions.
What might the author do to engage the reader emotionally?
Present facts, Use a straightforward tone, Use emotive language, Use complex syntax
Ultimately, analyzing the author's purpose allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the text and the message the author is trying to convey. It helps us to look beyond the surface level of the story and consider the intentions of the author.
Why is it important to analyze the author's purpose?
Gain a deeper understanding of the text, Judge the author's character, Ignore the author's message