Summary versus analysis
To understand the difference between summary and analysis I will first give a short definition of each (from http://comptalk.fiu.edu/analysis_v.htm) according to this website, a Summary is, “a brief paragraph describing and informing three or more of the following elements,” including who, what, when, where, why and how. Basically, a summary is explaining the course of whatever has happened. For example, if I was to summarize to someone the story of Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby I might start by saying that the book was based around an ancient culling song (used to kill) which people increasingly take advantage of through the course of the book. I might then go on to explain main characters in the book (briefly) and the overall plot of the book, I would then give a closure to the paper and in doing so have briefly described the beginning middle and end of the story.
On the other hand, an analysis “examines the summary elements described above in order to look for their meaning in the following contexts,” an analysis looks more intensely at
“relationships, roles of people, consequences or results of events, causes and their effects advantages and disadvantages/ gains and losses, as well as strengths and weaknesses,” and will delve deeper into the plot of a story and the characters involved. Back to the example of Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby, if I was to use analysis instead of summary in a paper I would cite individual characters more frequently and put more of my own personal opinion in the paper. An analysis is more personal, I might refer to the characters personal life and death of his family as a sort or rebirth of the main character, Mr. Streator. I might also show the impact of the character Helen Hoover Boyle as a whole.
I think the main difference is that a summary is more fact based and an analysis is more personal and a deeper interpretation.
I think you did a great job explaining this. I though I had a pretty good handle on what each was but your post helped even more. Strict definitions like the ones you used help a lot. If only all English classes were based off of straight forward definitions and meanings! Finding meaning in stories is not a strong suit for me but your definition of relationships, roles and consequences made it seem much simpler. Maybe analysis isn't so bad when laid out like that!
ReplyDeleteYou describe the difference between summary and analysis very well in that summary is fact based and analysis is personal interpretation and meaning. What really gave me clarity about analysis was when you used words such as relationships, consequences, cause and effect, strengths and weaknesses. These words are trigger words for analysis and will help in determining my opinion, feeling and emotions for analysis. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I think you definitely hit the nail on the head with your descriptions. It was nice to see not just a summary of summary but an example of it. This is surely helpful to others being able to see what exactly the definition means.
ReplyDeleteMany of the posts I read simply gave main points about summary and analysis, you went above and beyond with the use of examples and definition combined together. Thanks for the insight.