What Is Craft And Structure In Reading

Craft and structure in reading encompass the deliberate choices authors make to construct meaning and evoke specific responses from their readers. It’s about understanding how an author’s decisions regarding organization, language, and point of view work together to create a cohesive and impactful text. Moving beyond simply comprehending the literal meaning, analyzing craft and structure involves delving into the why behind the what.

Understanding the Elements of Craft and Structure

To effectively analyze craft and structure, it’s crucial to understand the key elements involved. These elements aren’t isolated entities; they interact and influence one another to shape the overall reading experience.

Organization: This refers to how the author arranges information within the text. Is it chronological? Does it follow a cause-and-effect pattern? Is there a specific structure like compare and contrast? Recognizing the organizational pattern helps readers follow the author's line of reasoning.
Point of View: From whose perspective is the story being told? Is it first-person ("I"), second-person ("you"), or third-person ("he/she/it")? Understanding the point of view influences how readers perceive the characters, events, and themes.
Word Choice (Diction): Authors carefully select words to convey specific meanings and create particular effects. Considering the connotations of words – the emotions and associations they evoke – is essential. Are the words formal or informal, technical or everyday?
Tone: Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject matter. Is it serious, humorous, sarcastic, or optimistic? Identifying the tone helps readers understand the author's underlying message.
Syntax: Syntax refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences. Authors might use short, choppy sentences to create a sense of urgency or long, flowing sentences to create a more contemplative mood.
Imagery: This involves the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). Imagery helps readers visualize the scene and connect with the text on a deeper level.
Figurative Language: This includes literary devices like similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole, which authors use to create imaginative comparisons and enhance meaning.
Structure: Refers to the overall framework or design of a text. This includes elements like chapters, sections, stanzas (in poetry), and acts (in drama).
Purpose: The author's reason for writing the text. This could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or express themselves.
Audience: Who the author is writing for. Understanding the intended audience helps readers interpret the author's choices.

Analyzing Craft: A Deeper Dive

"Craft" refers to the specific techniques and strategies an author employs to create a particular effect. Analyzing craft involves identifying these techniques and explaining how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the text.

Word Choice (Diction) in Detail

Word choice is a powerful tool in an author's arsenal. Consider these aspects when analyzing diction:

Connotation vs. Denotation: The denotation is the literal dictionary definition of a word, while the connotation refers to the emotions and associations it evokes. For example, the words "house" and "home" have similar denotations, but "home" carries a stronger connotation of warmth, comfort, and belonging.
Level of Formality: Is the language formal, informal, or colloquial? Formal language often suggests seriousness and authority, while informal language can create a more casual and relatable tone.
Technical Jargon: The use of specialized vocabulary specific to a particular field can indicate expertise or create a sense of distance between the author and the reader.
Figurative Language: As mentioned earlier, the use of metaphors, similes, personification, and other figures of speech adds layers of meaning and creates vivid imagery.

Example:

Consider the following sentence: "The old house stood dilapidated and forlorn on the hill."

"Dilapidated" suggests a state of disrepair and neglect.
"Forlorn" evokes feelings of sadness, loneliness, and abandonment.

The author's choice of these specific words creates a sense of melancholy and decay, setting a particular mood for the reader.

Tone: Identifying the Author's Voice

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject matter and the reader. It can be expressed through word choice, syntax, and other stylistic devices.

Identifying Tone: Look for clues in the author's language that suggest their attitude. Are they using humor, sarcasm, irony, or sincerity? Are they respectful or critical of their subject?
Tone and Purpose: The author's tone often aligns with their purpose for writing. A persuasive essay might have a confident and assertive tone, while a personal narrative might have a reflective and introspective tone.

Examples of Tone:

Sarcastic: "Oh, brilliant idea! Let's just ignore all the warning signs and see what happens."
Optimistic: "Despite the challenges, I believe we can overcome them and create a better future."
Serious: "The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and demand immediate action."
Humorous: "Trying to explain quantum physics to my cat is like trying to herd water uphill."

Imagery: Painting a Picture with Words

Imagery uses descriptive language to create a sensory experience for the reader. It appeals to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Types of Imagery:
- Visual: Describes what something looks like.
- Auditory: Describes what something sounds like.
- Olfactory: Describes what something smells like.
- Gustatory: Describes what something tastes like.
- Tactile: Describes what something feels like.
Purpose of Imagery: Imagery helps readers visualize the scene, connect with the characters' emotions, and understand the author's message on a deeper level.

Example:

"The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed, while the waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic roar."

This passage uses visual imagery (colors of the sky), olfactory imagery (scent of salt and seaweed), and auditory imagery (waves crashing) to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

Figurative Language: Beyond the Literal

Figurative language uses words or phrases in a non-literal way to create a particular effect. Some common types of figurative language include:

Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as." (e.g., "He was as brave as a lion.")
Metaphor: A direct comparison without using "like" or "as." (e.g., "She is the sun in my life.")
Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or animals. (e.g., "The wind whispered secrets through the trees.")
Hyperbole: An exaggeration for emphasis or effect. (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.")

Purpose of Figurative Language:

Adds depth and complexity to writing.
Creates vivid imagery and enhances the reader's understanding.
Evokes emotions and engages the reader's imagination.

Analyzing Structure: The Blueprint of the Text

"Structure" refers to the overall organization and arrangement of a text. Analyzing structure involves understanding how the author has organized their ideas and how this organization contributes to the overall meaning and impact of the text.

Common Organizational Patterns

Authors use a variety of organizational patterns to structure their writing. Some common patterns include:

Chronological Order: Events are presented in the order they occurred in time. This is common in narratives, historical accounts, and biographies.
Cause and Effect: Explains the relationship between causes and their effects. This is common in scientific writing, persuasive essays, and historical analyses.
Compare and Contrast: Examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This is common in analytical essays and research papers.
Problem and Solution: Presents a problem and then proposes one or more solutions. This is common in persuasive writing, policy papers, and problem-solving articles.
Spatial Order: Describes objects or places according to their physical location or arrangement. This is common in descriptive writing and travelogues.

Analyzing Organizational Patterns:

Identify the dominant organizational pattern used in the text.
Explain how the chosen pattern helps the author achieve their purpose.
Consider how the organization impacts the reader's understanding and engagement.

Point of View: Who is Telling the Story?

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told. The choice of point of view significantly impacts how the reader experiences the story.

First-Person: The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" and "me." This provides an intimate and personal perspective, but it is limited to the narrator's knowledge and biases.
Second-Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly using "you." This is less common but can create a sense of immediacy and involvement.
Third-Person Limited: The narrator is outside the story but focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character. This allows the reader to understand the character's inner world while maintaining some distance.
Third-Person Omniscient: The narrator is outside the story and knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. This provides a broad and comprehensive perspective.

Analyzing Point of View:

Identify the point of view used in the text.
Explain how the chosen point of view shapes the reader's perception of the characters, events, and themes.
Consider the advantages and limitations of the chosen point of view.

Structural Elements: Chapters, Sections, and Stanzas

The way a text is divided into chapters, sections, stanzas (in poetry), or acts (in drama) can also contribute to its meaning.

Chapters/Sections: These divisions can indicate shifts in time, location, or focus. They can also create suspense or highlight key events.
Stanzas (Poetry): The arrangement of lines into stanzas can create rhythm, emphasize certain ideas, or reflect the poem's structure.
Acts (Drama): Acts often mark significant turning points in the plot or changes in the setting.

Analyzing Structural Elements:

Examine how the text is divided into different sections.
Consider the purpose of each section and how it contributes to the overall meaning.
Analyze how the structural elements create rhythm, emphasis, or suspense.

The Interplay of Craft and Structure

It's important to remember that craft and structure are not separate entities but rather interconnected elements that work together to create a cohesive and impactful text. An author's choices regarding organization, point of view, word choice, and other craft elements all contribute to the overall structure and meaning of the text.

For example, an author might use a chronological structure to tell a story about a character's journey of self-discovery. The author might then use first-person point of view to allow the reader to experience the journey through the character's eyes. The author's word choices and use of imagery would further enhance the reader's understanding of the character's emotions and experiences.

Practical Applications of Analyzing Craft and Structure

Understanding craft and structure is not just an academic exercise. It has practical applications in a variety of fields:

Reading Comprehension: Analyzing craft and structure helps readers understand the author's purpose, identify key themes, and make inferences about the text.
Writing: By studying how skilled authors use craft and structure, writers can improve their own writing and create more effective and engaging texts.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing craft and structure encourages readers to think critically about the author's choices and their impact on the reader.
Media Literacy: Understanding craft and structure can help readers analyze media messages and identify bias, persuasion techniques, and other forms of manipulation.

Examples of Craft and Structure Analysis in Literature

To further illustrate the concept, let's look at some examples of how craft and structure analysis can be applied to literary works.

Example 1: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Point of View: The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, a relatively objective observer of the events. This allows Fitzgerald to present a critical perspective on the Roaring Twenties and the American Dream.
Symbolism: The green light across the bay symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dream of reuniting with Daisy. The Valley of Ashes represents the moral decay and social inequality of the era.
Structure: The novel unfolds through flashbacks and anecdotes, gradually revealing Gatsby's past and motivations. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Example 2: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Point of View: The story is told from the perspective of Scout Finch as a young girl. This allows Lee to explore complex themes of prejudice and justice through the innocent eyes of a child.
Setting: The small town of Maycomb, Alabama, provides a backdrop for exploring racial tensions and social inequalities in the American South.
Symbolism: The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and vulnerability. The trial of Tom Robinson represents the injustice and prejudice faced by African Americans in the South.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is analyzing craft and structure important? Analyzing craft and structure enhances reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. It allows readers to move beyond simply understanding the literal meaning of a text and to appreciate the author's artistry and purpose.
What's the difference between craft and structure? Craft refers to the specific techniques and strategies an author uses, such as word choice, tone, and imagery. Structure refers to the overall organization and arrangement of a text.
How can I improve my ability to analyze craft and structure? Practice! Read widely and pay attention to the author's choices. Ask yourself questions like: Why did the author choose this word? How does the point of view affect the story? What is the purpose of this section?
Is craft and structure analysis only for literary texts? No, craft and structure analysis can be applied to a wide range of texts, including news articles, advertisements, speeches, and films.

Conclusion

Understanding craft and structure is essential for becoming a skilled and engaged reader. By paying attention to the author's choices regarding organization, language, and point of view, readers can unlock deeper levels of meaning and appreciate the artistry of the written word. Analyzing craft and structure not only enhances reading comprehension but also improves critical thinking, writing skills, and media literacy. It's a valuable tool for anyone who wants to become a more informed and discerning consumer of information.