A guide to annotating your literature texts that don’t require you have several different highlighters and whatnot, because you seriously don’t need it! (Unless of course it works for you and you like it). So grab a pencil, some post-it tabs (and your many highlighters with a fully fledged colour coding system if you must) and let’s get going!
So, what should I highlight/underline?
- Views and values (and themes); that is, any concerns, ideas, opinions, or things that the author endorses or critiques. For example, Orwell criticises communism in his novella, Animal Farm. It’s clear that he is of the opinion that it can work well in theory, however when enacted corruption/blind obedience/whatever will triumph.
- Language - Ask yourself, what does language reveal about certain characters/how they are viewed/how they see themselves? Underline and make any notes of these ideas.
- Underline any quotes made by characters, about characters, descriptions (physical, personality, etc.), symbolism, etc. If settings are especially important in your text you should be underlining any defining factors too.
- Turning points and connections - These might be in terms of characters, concerns, or ideas. Whatever it is, make a note of it. Turning points are also used to contextualise; allowing you to analyse change and development in your text(s). I’ll also add that instead of underlining or highlighting slabs of text where these turning points/connections are made you might just want to put an asterisk.
- Literary devices - I don’t need to touch on these, you guys know what they are. But to jog your memories: metaphor, imagery, allegory, syntax, etc.
- Circle anything you don’t understand so you know to come back to it later.
- A good rule of thumb if still in doubt: Underline anything that seems important (hint: It’s not the entire book).
So to summarise the above: Underline views and values, themes, language, characters, settings, literary devices, turning points, and connections. Asterisks work well too, especially for slabs of text. You should be making any notes in the margins or on a separate sticky note (especially if it’s not your book to write in!)
Alright, so now what?
Congratulations, you now have a fully annotated book with (hopefully) everything you need. Now it’s time to make resources and start memorising (especially if you’re not allowed to take your book into the exam). Start making tables with quotes (sort by character/theme/chapter/etc), chapter summaries, flashcards, notes, etc.
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