Dialectical Journal

The Giver

Part One: Dialectic Journal

Dialectic: A system of argument or exposition in which the conflict between contradictory facts are resolved.

Directions for journal:

1.  Use the journal to log a minimum of four significant passages per assignment..

2.  For each passage, include the following information:

·  Passage: Write down the exact passage. Use ellipsis (…) if needed. Place the passage in quotation marks.

·  Source: Record in parenthesis the author’s last name and page number after each passage.

·  Basic Response: Share a personal reaction to the passage –thoughts, feelings about or to the character and/or author, personal experiences relating to the passage, or a puzzling question that you might want answered. Use the 6 Reading Strategies. Label as the following: (Q)Question; (C)Connect; (P)Predict; (CL)Clarify; (R)Reflect; (E)Evaluate. This response is about quality and thought. It is NOT plot summary

·  Higher Level Response/Literary Analysis: Identify the literary element(s)/technique(s). Explain the significance of the passage – What is the author’s purpose? What is the effect of the passage on the audience or on the comprehension of the literary text?

These passages are to reflect any of the following:

Theme

Characterization

Symbolism

Conflict

Setting

Plot

Figures of speech (simile, metaphor, repetition, alliteration, onomatopoeia)

Imagery

Details

Diction

Personification

You must have at least one of each of the above literary elements. For example, do not select all 4 passages that are all examples of one element. You are assessed on the appropriateness of the passage and your evaluation of that passage.

Remember: The log only has 4 entries per reading assignment, so you need to choose significant passages that you can provide a quality analysis!

Please refer to the Sample Dialectical Journal Entry for an example of a quality response.

Sample Dialectical Journal Entry

Passage and Source / Basic Response / Higher Level Response
Literary Analysis**
“All manner of people grew interested in Kino –people with things to sell and people with favors to ask…The essence of pearl mixed with the essence of men, and a curious dark residue was precipitated” (Steinbeck 29-30). / This is a shame! Most people can’t truly rejoice with others when they get something unless there is something in it for them. Take sports, music, and movie stars, for example. Get a little fame and money and most people start thinking about how they will benefit from their friend’s good fortune. All of a sudden “friends” pop up jealousy, greed, etc. something good can stir up evil in man. / Theme- Worldly goods or personal possessions put the integrity of mankind in jeopardy.
Repetition- “all manner of people…people with things…people with favors”-reinforces the idea that every person is susceptible to greed. It is the “What can you do for me?” mentality.
Diction- “essence, curious dark residue” The word “essence” implies the nature of man was mixed with this worldly possession. Thus the very chemical make-up of man is altered. This process leaves a “curious dark residue.” Man becomes tainted by desire and greed—“the curious dark residue.”

Dialectical Journal

The Giver

Part One: Dialectic Journal

Dialectic: A system of argument or exposition in which the conflict between contradictory facts are resolved.

Directions for journal:

1.  Use the journal to log a minimum of four significant passages per assignment..

2.  For each passage, include the following information:

·  Passage: Write down the exact passage. Use ellipsis (…) if needed. Place the passage in quotation marks.

·  Source: Record in parenthesis the author’s last name and page number after each passage.

·  Basic Response: Share a personal reaction to the passage –thoughts, feelings about or to the character and/or author, personal experiences relating to the passage, or a puzzling question that you might want answered. Use the 6 Reading Strategies. Label as the following: (Q)Question; (C)Connect; (P)Predict; (CL)Clarify; (R)Reflect; (E)Evaluate. This response is about quality and thought. It is NOT plot summary

·  Higher Level Response/Literary Analysis: Identify the literary element(s)/technique(s). Explain the significance of the passage – What is the author’s purpose? What is the effect of the passage on the audience or on the comprehension of the literary text?

These passages are to reflect any of the following:

Theme

Characterization

Symbolism

Conflict

Setting

Plot

Figures of speech (simile, metaphor, repetition, alliteration, onomatopoeia)

Imagery

Details

Diction

Personification

You must have at least one of each of the above literary elements. For example, do not select all 4 passages that are all examples of one element. You are assessed on the appropriateness of the passage and your evaluation of that passage.

Remember: The log only has 4 entries per reading assignment, so you need to choose significant passages that you can provide a quality analysis!

Please refer to the Sample Dialectical Journal Entry for an example of a quality response.

Sample Dialectical Journal Entry

Passage and Source / Basic Response / Higher Level Response
Literary Analysis**
“All manner of people grew interested in Kino –people with things to sell and people with favors to ask…The essence of pearl mixed with the essence of men, and a curious dark residue was precipitated” (Steinbeck 29-30). / This is a shame! Most people can’t truly rejoice with others when they get something unless there is something in it for them. Take sports, music, and movie stars, for example. Get a little fame and money and most people start thinking about how they will benefit from their friend’s good fortune. All of a sudden “friends” pop up jealousy, greed, etc. something good can stir up evil in man. / Theme- Worldly goods or personal possessions put the integrity of mankind in jeopardy.
Repetition- “all manner of people…people with things…people with favors”-reinforces the idea that every person is susceptible to greed. It is the “What can you do for me?” mentality.
Diction- “essence, curious dark residue” The word “essence” implies the nature of man was mixed with this worldly possession. Thus the very chemical make-up of man is altered. This process leaves a “curious dark residue.” Man becomes tainted by desire and greed—“the curious dark residue.”