Critical Analysis of Literary Texts

Using Virtual Worlds

Mary BalkunEnglish Faculty, Seton Hall University

Heidi Trotta and Mary Zedeck Instructional Designers

“We do not apprehend the world directly at all. Rather we experience it through the signs we construct to represent it.”

~ Driscoll & Lebow, 1992

Our manipulation of these signs and symbols places them into new relationships with each other, allowing new insights into communication, interpretation, and the construction of meaning.

We know that how we seek information determines what information we get; however, the information we receive also affects what we already know.

“John was hungry and decide to order a large meal. He was pleased that the waitress was attentive and prompt. After he finished the meal, he paid his bill and left an extra five dollars under his plate.”

Mental models for a novel are based on objects or characters representing characters in the narrative.

People remember ideas about passages rather than the text itself.

This is a “mental model.” Mental models support a better recall of events.~ Bransford and Miller, 1972

Authors and objects in text

Authors have used objects in texts to either:

• Make commentary about the times

• Enhance character development

• Explore themes

• Create intrigue

The House of Seven Gables

~ the combined application of text and objects in a virtual world to create a collective vision.

Activity Directions

• Pictures vs objects

• Try not to follow text literally

• Read passage– Notecard giver or Poster

• Select one picture from each category

• Volunteers

• Be able to explain selection

Contacts:Mary BalkunFaculty, Seton Hall University(aka Zenobia Paine)balkunma@shu.edu

Copyright Heidi Trotta, Mary Balkun and Mary Zedeck, 2007. This work is the intellectual property of the authors and all who contributed.

Heidi TrottaInstructional Designer(aka Heidi TeeCee)trottahe@shu.eduWeb: www.heiditrotta.com

Mary ZedeckInstructional Designer(aka Zaria Voom)zedeckma@shu.edu