Page 83 - 2023-bfw-IdeasLit-TE-1e.indd

126 Unit 2 ■ Analyzing Comparisons and Representations Lisa Parker ■ Snapping Beans 127 UNIT 2

Shifts Happen TRM Handout: Shifts and Contrast
What exactly is a shift? Shifts can emphasize contrasts within particular sections of SHIFTS AND CONTRASTS STRUCTURE
a text. Often, they are signaled by a physical marker, such as Signal Effect
• a transition word or phrase (e.g., but, however, even though, so, now); Shift • Contrasting transition words (e.g., but, Provides a revelation
however, yet)
• a less frequently used punctuation mark, such as a dash, colon, question • Syntactic markers (e.g., isolated simple Gives new insight or understanding
mark, or parentheses; sentences) Signals a change in perspective, tone,
• a change in syntax, such as the use of a fragment or short simple sentence; • Punctuation (e.g., use of question mark, or attitude
or dash, colon, parentheses)
Copyright (c) 2023 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Uncorrected proofs were used with this sample chapter.
• a change in structure, such as a new paragraph or stanza, OR a change in • Structural changes (e.g., change in
speaker or narrator. paragraph or stanza, one-sentence
paragraphs)
Why are shifts important? Shifts often indicate a change in a character’s thinking: • A change in the connotation of words or
a reconsideration, a new insight, or even a new perspective. Generally, authors in- language
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.
clude details before the shift to contrast with details after the shift; such contrasts Contrast • A back-and-forth movement in dialogue, Shows values in tension or debate
can reveal values. If readers can clearly see the conflict between these different plot, or other elements that create contrast
values, they should be able to interpret the text effectively. Indeed, the characteri- • Frequent changes in speaker, imagery, Highlights positive or negative aspects
zation and events after a shift are likely to convey the author’s message and point. point of view of each side
As a general rule, look for a significant shift in the last third of a literary work. Places emphasis on ideas
• Contrasting words (e.g., I and we; then and Prompts reflection through the contrast
now) or images
Contrasts
Some authors structure their texts to include a series of contrasts that run through-
out the text. By doing so, they allow the reader to consider two or more ideas. In
other words, the author is going back and forth between the two elements in oppo-
sition to illustrate a conflict of values. GUIDED READING INTRODUCING THE TEXT
Some writers establish contrasts by including parallel elements or setting up If you have the materials available, you may open
side-by-side dramatic action called juxtaposition. For example, an author may class by physically modeling the process of
structure a text so that two events happen simultaneously as the reader switches snapping green beans (and inviting students to
back and forth between them. Or an author may set up clear contrasts between two join you); alternatively, you may show a video of
ideas, images, or even settings. Snapping Beans someone snapping beans. You may ask students
to reflect on a family member who they care
Structure and Meaning Lisa Parker about a lot: Have the student’s and relative’s
To make a thoughtful, engaging interpretation, you must notice these contrasts values stayed aligned over time? Then, you may
ask students to consider how new experiences
and juxtapositions. Identify and analyze the details on each side of the contrast THE TEXT IN CONTEXT affect a person’s coming of age, identity, and
as well: they will help you explain the shift in relationship to the work as a whole. Born and raised in Fauquier County, Virginia, poet relationships with their family.
Lisa Parker (b. 1972) often writes about rural and
southern life. She graduated from George Mason
University and earned her MFA in poetry from Penn Courtesy of Laura Coleman
INSIDER Contrasts and shifts reveal tensions. Understanding State University. Her work has been published in IDEAS IN THE TEXT
several journals, including Southern Review, The
AP ® TIP and explaining tensions within a text lead to an interpretation. Louisville Review, and Appalachian Heritage. Parker’s Home Education
But you must do more than just identify shifts and contrasts:
Change
Love
you also need to explain how they contribute to your overall 2010 poetry collection The Gone Place won the Weatherford Prize from Berea College Coming of Age Family
sense of the text’s meaning. and the Appalachian Studies Association. In “Snapping Beans,” Parker presents a
conversation between a grandmother and her college-aged granddaughter.

03_williamlit1e_46174_ch02_116_207.indd 126 22/09/22 9:43 AM 03_williamlit1e_46174_ch02_116_207.indd 127 22/09/22 9:43 AM
CRITICAL APPROACHES
Cultural
Appalachia is a geographic and cultural region in Neighborliness and Hospitality
the United States that includes parts of Alabama, Familism
Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New Personalism
York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Love of Place
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and all of West Modesty
Virginia. Popular Appalachian writers include Sense of Beauty
Barbara Kingsolver, Wendell Berry, J. D. Vance,
Frank X Walker, bell hooks, Silas House, and Sense of Humor
Crystal Wilkinson. In his essay “Appalachian Patriotism
Values,” Loyal Jones identifies the core values
that influence Appalachian literature:
Religion
Individualism, Self-Reliance, and Pride

Lisa Parker Snapping Beans 127

03_williamlitte1e_47545_ch02_116_207_3pp.indd 127 08/12/22 5:25 PM