Critical+Journals

Format

 * Begin each new entry on a fresh page.
 * In the top right hand corner put the number of your entry.
 * On the first three lines of the left hand side, hugging the margin, head your paper in the following manner:
 * Title of literature
 * Date
 * Topic – see list below for acceptable topics.
 * Skip a line, indent and begin writing. Since this is a journal, the language can be informal, but must be in complete sentences. It will not be graded for grammar, spelling, and proofreading.
 * Each entry must be AT LEAST a page in length. (If you have large handwriting, then you must write more)
 * I want you to use both sides of the page, so start your next entry on the back of the page.


 * __ How’s the Journal Set Up? __**

Your notebook should be divided into two columns. When you begin reading a work, place its title at the top of the newest empty page; then, label the left column “Page # and Quotation” and the right column “Notes/Thoughts.” As you read, record your thoughts, questions, and understandings of the text, placing the page number and a short quotation of parts of interest in the left column and your comments about the section in the right column.


 * Page # and Quotation || Notes/Thoughts ||
 * P. 27- A feeling of exultation overtook her, as if some power of significant import had been given her to control the working of her body and her soul. She grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before. || This is pretty heavy-handed symbolism. "Where no woman had swum before!" Edna hopes to surpass existing convention regarding female behavior. ||

Topics
This is not a complete list of potential topics, just a list of suggestions. Remember that you are reading critically; if there is something that jumps off of the page that does not fit this list, go with it. You might surprise yourself. You are **NEVER** allowed to just summarize the plot of the piece of literature.
 * **__Pick a quote__** – Write the quote that interests you and write it in your journal. Why is it important? What does it add to the piece of literature? Why did it stand out to you? What does it foreshadow?
 * **__Imagery and Symbolism__** – Describe an image from the piece of literature in detail. Why does this image strike you? Why is it important or significant? How does it add to the text? What does this image symbolize? Why?
 * **__Style and Rhetorical Devices__** – Look at the tone, use of metaphor, simile, allusions, point of view, allegory, motifs, etc. How do they enhance the meaning? Why do you think the author placed them in this particular location? How would the meaning of the text change without this device?
 * **__Setting and Mood__** – Describe a scene in which the setting and mood are particularly effective. What language made them effective? Be specific.
 * **__Connections__** – How did the piece of literature make you speculate about life or find a connection to another text or academic discipline? This can be personal and relate to your own life as well.
 * **__Theme__** – What themes pop out of the text? Why is this important? How does it connect to the rest of the text or what is currently taking place?
 * Feelings – How does the text make you feel – in the heart, in the spirit, in the mind, on the senses? Why? What windows or doors does it open for you? Why? Does it close anything down for you? What makes this text unique? Why?
 * **__Philosophy__** – What philosophical issues does the work raise (questions about goodness, truth, beauty, justice, humanity, love, meaning, life, death and God)? Why?
 * **__Title__** – What is the relationship of the title to the content of the piece of literature? Give examples and fully explain why you feel this way.
 * **__Surprised or Puzzled?__** – Is there something that surprises you does not appear to fit in the text? Explain why you feel this way. Discuss why something doesn’t make sense to you or why your views might be different from the authors intended purpose.
 * **__Picture or Word__** – Find a picture or a word that connects with the text. If it is a picture, paste it onto that page of your journal. Why does this fit with the text? Why did it stand out to you? Why is it important?
 * **__Characterization__** – Why is this character important? Are they the protagonist or antagonist? Why? What do they add to the text? Describe the character in detail.