11 Ways to Introduce a Text

1. Biographical information (Ex: Poe had many psychological problems that affected his writing.)

2. Quotation (from the text itself)

3. Definition (Ex: "Poetic justice" is supposed to mean that virtue is rewarded and evil is punished.)

4. Literary elements (Ex: Imagery is a powerful way to express  feelings and emotions.)

5. Life experience of the author (Ex: E. Hemingway had a lot of problems communicating with women.)

6. Plot (Ex: At the beginning of Wilde's "Nightintale" story, the bird's heart is figuratively broken by the student's sorrow. By the end, the bird's heart is literally split by the rose's thorn.)

7. Philosophical/Sociological concept (Ex: Trials involving life and death should be based on legal facts and arguments.)

8. Historical background (Ex: Gothicism was in vogue in the early nineteenth century, delving (exploring) into metaphysical issues and the meaning of death.)

Literary Interpretations

1.Tell-Tale Heart
In this short story written by Poe,the use of the First-person narrator and the fact that he's also talking to the reader hook him at the very beginning of the story.

2. The Lady or the Tiger?
The open ending of this Frank Stockton's short story has a strong and very effective impact on the reader, leaving him with numerous questions in his mind.

3. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Bierce's use of imagery in this short story descibes in a very realistic and sensitive way what is happening to the main character.