DIDLS Literary Analysis Format

INTRODUCTION

How to write the Introduction: Keep these in mind when writing your introduction.

  • You never have a second chance to make a first impression! Make it good!
  • You must include the author’s name and title of the short story.
  • You must state the theme.
  • You must list the areas (DIDLS) you are discussing in the paper. List them in the order in which they will appear.
  • You may give a BRIEF overview/thought/ quote from the story (one to two sentences BRIEF).

Introduction Format: You may use this as a guide for writing your introduction. You certainly can make it better and more detailed…for a better grade of course! Place your information where the (italicized) information is placed.

In (place the author’s full name here)’s short story, “(place the title of your short story here,”) he (she) uses various literary techniques to convey the aspect of (could be one word). Through the use of (DIDLS 1), (DIDLS 2), and (DIDLS 3) he explores the theme of (write out the theme).

Bad Introduction: Will give you a “bad” grade!

In “Thank You Ma’m,” written by Langston Hughes, he uses DIDLS to covey the theme of receiving consequences for your actions.

Basic Introduction: Will give you a basic grade!

In O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” he explores the aspect of true love. Through the use of imagery, language and syntax, he explores the theme of true love often requires sacrifices.

In-Depth Introduction: Will give you a better grade!

In Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Cask of the Amontillado,” he explores the aspect of “revenge” (233). Even Montresor himself said,”[for] he did not perceive that my smile now was at the thought of his immolation” (233). Fortunato was easily tricked by a friendly smile from a so-called friend. Through the use of imagery, diction and language, he explores the theme of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.

Things to remember:

  • You always place quotation marks around title of short stories.
  • After first introducing an author, you never address them by their first name; ALWAYS use their last name!
  • Make sure you document page #’s correctly!
  • You ONLY list the DIDLS you are addressing in your paper! You DO NOT list the ones you do not address.

DIDLS Body Paragraphs – Equals the # of Members in Your Group

How to write the Body Paragraphs: Keep these in mind when writing your body paragraphs.

  • You must include a minimum of 3 examples of support for each DIDLS presented.
  • You must state the theme within your body paragraph.
  • You must include text evidence with page numbers (ATE) to support the theme.
  • You must include commentary that relates back to the ATE.
  • You should imbed your quotes within your writing.

Body Paragraph #1 Format: You may use this as a guide for writing your 1ST body paragraph. You certainly can make it better and more detailed…for a better grade of course! Place your information where the (italicized) information is placed.

The most profound literary technique (author’s last name) uses to explore the theme is (choose your strongest DIDLS). NOW WRITE YOUR PARAGRAPH USING THE INFORMATION YOU FOUND!!!

Body Paragraph #2 Format: You may use this as a guide for writing your 2ND body paragraph. You certainly can make it better and more detailed…for a better grade of course! Place your information where the (italicized) information is placed.

Another literary technique used to convey the theme is (choose your second strongest DIDLS). NOW WRITE YOUR PARAGRAPH USING THE INFORMATION YOU FOUND!!!

Final Body Paragraph Format: You may use this as a guide for writing your final body paragraph. You certainly can make it better and more detailed…for a better grade of course! Place your information where the (italicized) information is placed.

(Choose your third strongest DIDLS) is also a literary a literary technique used to convey the theme of (theme in one word). NOW WRITE YOUR PARAGRAPH USING THE INFORMATION YOU FOUND!!!

Sample DIDLS Body Paragraph

The most profound literary technique Hurst uses to explore the theme is syntax. At the beginning of the story when Doodle is born, the narrator expresses his family’s fear that William Armstrong, “might not … be all there” (317). The use of the anaphora, “He might…He might” reveals the pessimistic attitude toward invalids during the time period in which the story was written, as well as the hopelessness the family feels toward Doodle’s condition which reveals Doodle as a “burden” (317). Doodle is viewed as a burden to his brother because he cannot get “too excited, too cold, too hot, too tired…” ( 317 ). Through this example of parallel structure, the narrator expresses his disappointment at Doodle’s limitations, as well as his wounded pride at having an invalid brother which causes him to push Doodle beyond his limitations, resulting in his death. The last words spoken between Doodle and his brother are, “Don’t leave me brother”, which Doodle repeats in times of distress (318, 323). The narrator’s rejection of Doodle because of his physical limitations incite him to leave Doodle behind in the storm and find his body broken due to his pride. Therefore, through the use of syntactical elements such as anaphora, parallel structure and repetition, the theme of pride resulting in destruction is established.

DIDLS Literary Analysis Format

CONCLUSION

How to write the Conclusion: Keep these in mind when writing your conclusion.

  • The conclusion is used to wrap up your paper!
  • You need to repeat your thesis statement from your introduction (this is the theme and DIDLS you used to convey this theme).
  • You need to further reiterate the universal message the author is trying to convey. How is it important to your everyday life?
  • The conclusion IS NOT a restatement of your introduction.

Conclusion Format: You may use this as a guide for writing your conclusion. You certainly can make it better and more detailed…for a better grade of course! Place your information where the (italicized) information is placed.

Through the use of various literary techniques, (author’s name) is able to convey the theme of (write out the theme). (DIDLS 1), (DIDLS 2), and (DIDLS 3), are all used to further reiterate the universal message Poe is trying to convey. (Author’s last name) desires for this readers to learn the lesson of (place your word/phrase or idea from the introduction). It is apparent that he (she) …

Bad Conclusion: Will give you a “bad” grade!

In “Thank You Ma’m,” written by Langston Hughes, he uses language and imagery to covey the theme of receiving consequences for your actions.

Basic Conclusion : Will give you a basic grade!

Through the use of imagery, language and syntax, O. Henry is able to covey the theme of sacrificing for the one’s you love. These elements reiterate the theme of true sacrifice and true love. O. Henry desires for all of his readers to learn the lesson in the value of giving, for it is always more blessed to give than receive.

In-Depth Conclusion: Will give you a better grade!

Through the use of imagery, language and diction, Poe is able to convey the theme of revenge. He desires for all of his readers to learn the lesson of keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer. The reader is able to journey through Montresor’s account of revenge and fully understand why he feels he must “punish with impunity” (233). It teaches everyone to question when someone calls you “my friend.”