2.6 Literary Argumentation

• What is literary argumentation?

  Supporting an interpretation of literature
• Developing a thesis statement is a crucial step in literary argumentation.


  True
• Peer review is essential for refining a literary argument
• Refining argumentative techniques is part of the literary argumentation process.


  True
• What is the role of evidence in a literary argument?

  To support the thesis
• Counterarguments should be acknowledged and refuted in a literary argument.


  True
• Match the component of a literary argument with its description:

  Thesis Statement ↔️ The central claim of the argument

  Evidence ↔️ Direct quotes from the text

  Analysis ↔️ Explanation of how evidence supports the thesis

  Conclusion ↔️ A summary reinforcing the thesis
• Highlighting literary devices and themes is part of the analysis in a literary argument.


  True
• Insightful analysis in a literary argument reflects the play's themes of mortality and meaning
• A literary argument requires a concise conclusion that reinforces the main points.

  True
• Match the component of a literary argument with its example:

  Thesis Statement ↔️ "Hamlet's indecisiveness stems from his existential dread."

  Evidence ↔️ "To be or not to be, that is the question."

  Analysis ↔️ "This line underscores Hamlet's internal struggle."

  Conclusion ↔️ "In conclusion, Hamlet's indecisiveness is driven by dread."
• What is the purpose of a thesis statement in a literary argument?

  Central claim
• What are the qualities of an effective thesis statement?

  Clear, specific, debatable
• A thesis statement that simply states a fact about a literary work is effective.

  False
• An effective evidence-based claim for Hamlet's contemplation of life and death is: "Hamlet's contemplation of life and death is evident in his famous soliloquy: 'To be or not to be, that is the question
• Steps in the process of literary argumentation

  1️⃣ Develop a thesis statement

  2️⃣ Gather textual evidence

  3️⃣ Analyze the evidence

  4️⃣ Acknowledge counterarguments

  5️⃣ Write a conclusion
• What are the key components of a literary argument?

  Thesis, evidence, analysis
• What role does evidence play in a literary argument?

  Supports the thesis
• An effective thesis statement for 'Hamlet' is: "Hamlet's indecisiveness stems from his existential dread and unresolved grief
• The effective thesis statement for Sylvia Plath's 'Daddy' identifies imagery and symbolism as literary techniques

  True
• What textual evidence is used in the effective evidence-based claim about 'Hamlet'?

  'To be or not to be'
• What two elements are needed to analyze a literary text for supporting evidence?

  Textual evidence and analysis
• Which famous soliloquy in 'Hamlet' is used as evidence to support the claim about existential dread?

  'To be or not to be'
• An effective evidence-based claim must be tied to the thesis statement.


  True
• The claim "Hamlet's contemplation of life and death is evident in his famous soliloquy: 'To be or not to be, that is the question'" provides textual evidence.


  True
• Match the type of evidence-based claim with its description:

  Effective Evidence-Based Claim ↔️ Supports the thesis, provides textual evidence, and sets up analysis

  Ineffective Evidence-Based Claim ↔️ Too general and lacks specific evidence
• Effective evidence-based claims can be based on paraphrased passages from the text.

  True
• Evidence from the text can only be direct quotes, not paraphrased passages.

  False
• Including counterarguments strengthens a literary argument by showing that the writer has considered alternative interpretations
• Match the characteristic with its role in addressing counterarguments:

  Identification ↔️ States and acknowledges the counterargument

  Evidence ↔️ Provides textual evidence to support the counterargument

  Refutation ↔️ Disproves the counterargument with reasoning

  Integration ↔️ Incorporates the counterargument seamlessly
• When receiving feedback, it is important to avoid being defensive.


  True
• Identifying strengths in your argument during peer review helps you maintain or build upon those areas
• What should you avoid being when receiving feedback on your argument?

  Defensive
• Evaluating counterarguments raised by peers can strengthen your final argument.


  True
• Steps for effectively incorporating peer feedback

  1️⃣ Solicit Feedback

  2️⃣ Listen Actively

  3️⃣ Identify Strengths

  4️⃣ Address Weaknesses

  5️⃣ Evaluate Objectively

  6️⃣ Implement Changes
• Areas of your argument that peers find compelling should be maintained or built upon.


  True
• Why is peer review essential for refining a literary argument?

  Makes it more compelling
• A thesis statement should be clear, specific, and debatable.


  True
• What is the purpose of addressing counterarguments in literary argumentation?

  To refute alternative interpretations
• One key component of a literary argument is a clear thesis statement