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Banish those cardigan-wearing, horn-rimmed glasses equipped, gray-haired old fuddie duddie English teachers who once believed you should just "feel" your way through literature. Remember the days where understanding a complex piece of poetry or prose was reserved for those two or three kids who just naturally "got it"? Well, no more! Teachers, this step-by step method will prepare your students for rigorous literature. Students, this process will get you through anything from Poe to Shakespeare. This College Board based strategy gives anyone a foundation in literary analysis. Simply put, S.W.I.F.T.T. is a life-saver.

The SWIFTT method of fiction analysis gives students the ability to look at a while piece of literature one important element at a time. Most students are introduced to the standards of plot, characters, setting and point of view, but to really reach for something more in-depth, SWIFTT fills that need.

S - Symbolism - Symbolism is when a name, object or action stands for a larger idea. For example doves often symbolize peace; a gift can represent an apology; the name Mr. Biggs may stand for a person who thinks highly of himself. While reading through a piece of literature look for examples of symbolism. Simply write an "S" in the margin.

W - Word Choice - Also known as diction, word choice is all about looking at individual words that the writer uses to create additional meaning. For example there are many words to convey a place to live. Mansion gives a certain image to a reader, while shack has a very different feel. The difference between using "house" and "home" is subtle. "House" is a place where you live. "Home" is a place where you belong. While reading, underline particular words that stand out or have added meaning. Mark a "W" in the margins which will allow you to find those words easily when you write your paper.

I - Imagery - Imagery is the author's use of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to describe the world that he/she creates. If a writer mentions a bird in a tree, that's a great detail, but not imagery. If the writer tells you what the bird looks like (sight), how the bird sounds (sound) and how the tree feels under the feet of the bird (touch) that qualifies as imagery. Writer's often use imagery to help make a point, or show off their settings.

F - Figurative Language - This is the only step in the process that might bring back evil memories of English class. This is where you pull out all of those types of figurative

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