S.O.A.P.S.S. – A technique for analyzing non-fiction
“SOAPSS” is a process of analyzing all different mediums (literature, film, art, advertising). When you are asked to “do SOAPSS” on something, walk through the following process, using the framed sentences and columns where you find them.
1. What is the SUBJECT? – WHAT?
State the main idea in a framed sentence: [Author’s Name], in her [essay, film, painting, etc.], [TITLE], [following the appropriate verb, state the main subject in a few words]. What topics are discussed?
Example: In “The Ritual of Fast Food,” an excerpt from her 1991 book The Rituals of Dinner, Margaret Visser suggests that the fast food industry’s success stems from the American people’s need for a predictable, unoriginal commonness.
Followed by an identification of the supporting details in a framed sentence: [Last name of author] supports with , , and .
Example: Visser presents a brief history of this ordinariness in the restaurant business and provides specific examples of some of the predictable elements of a fast food experience in regards to price, service, menu offerings, and environment. Visser further reveals ways that the companies (McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.) mask their mega-corporate status and reasons why the customers buy in to the comfortable predictability.
These details are usually presented in the order in which they appear in the piece.
2. What is the OCCASION? – When and Where?
Describe, in 1-3 sentences, either the historical context of the piece (that which is historically significant to appreciating the piece) or what goes on in the world that makes this piece worth writing. What is the author responding to? This may require a little research.
3. Who is the AUDIENCE? – Who?
Describe, in 1-3 sentences, the group, or groups (it may be more than one), of readers to whom this piece is directed. “The general public” or “anyone” is not acceptable. If the writer/creator is trying to inspire change, who would be affected, angered, or inspired? If the writer is trying to entertain, who would enjoy it? Consider age, race, sex, beliefs, background, etc.
4. What is the PURPOSE? – Why?
Pay particularly close attention to the verb(s) you use in this explanation, making sure you choose the best one. Why did the author write this? What is the claim? What does she want us to believe? What effect is he trying to create in the reader in order to create what effect in the world? Use the sentence frame: [Author’s last name]’s purpose is to in order to .
Example: Margaret Visser’s purpose is to reveal that every aspect of the fast food industry is geared towards making a profit in order to inform consumers of the mechanical role they play in helping these “huge faceless corporation[s]” grow.
5. What is the SPEAKER’s attitude or tone? – Who?
When analyzing the speaker, identify the persona the author is adopting (when possible). Create two columns as demonstrated below. On the left, in your own words, list a word or two that describes the speaker’s attitude and tone. On the right, write a quotation that demonstrates your description. Then, do the same for the author.
Your wordsQuotation
Speaker:
Author:
6. What is unique about the author’s STYLE? – How?
Pay attention to diction, syntax, and imagery. What stands out in the author’s writing? Write 1-3 sentences and use specific examples. How does the author reach his/her audience?
Example: Visser reaches the audience by smugly portraying the fast food industry as duplicitous and false. For example, “[T]he fast-food chains want. . .the adults hovering over their children, teaching them the goodness of hamburgers” (158). Visser also points out some surprisingly obvious commonalities that the consumer may not otherwise consider: “The company attempts to play the role of a lovable host, kind and concerned, even parental: it knows that blunt and direct confrontation with a huge faceless corporation makes us suspicious, and even badly behaved” (158).