Description

Literary analysis is all about arguing that a work of art—a novel, a poem, or a short story—means something particular. A good literary analysis uses evidence from the text, such as words, images, dialogue, and plot points, to prove that your interpretation of the text’s meaning is correct. With this in mind, let’s practice literary analysis of Delirium in the discussion forum this week. To do so, answer ONE of these questions:

Option 1: In Chapter 18, What symbolism is there to all the foliage that re-grew after the blitz? Is there something deeper to the idea that Portland, especially since it’s walled-in, seems like a “tiny…blip” to Lena now (Oliver, 2011, p. 291)?

Option 2: Why is there monstrous imagery in this novel, such as in Chapter 10, when Lena compares the Wilds it to “a monster reaching its tentacles around the civilized parts of the world” (Oliver, 2011, p. 162)? Or when she compares Invalids to werewolves and vampires, saying they are all “things that will rip into you, tear you to shreds. Deadly things” (Oliver, 2011, p. 168)?

Option 3: Delirium investigates, at its core, the power or influence of love on individuals and society at large. What do you think the novel’s central message about love is?

Option 4: Young adult literature explores stories were young people challenge the status quo or change the world they live in. Do you think youth is a danger to the power structures of Oliver’s dystopian society? Or is the dystopian society able to use youth as a controlling mechanism?

THEN, offer 3 pieces of textual evidence to support your answer to your chosen question. In your responses to your classmates, offer other supporting points for their arguments or bring up conflicting arguments, as long as you have textual evidence to back up your claims.