Blog #5
Based on chapter seven about quantifying lectures, analysis and data mining can be an efficient way to identify patterns and give clues in literary texts that might have been missed within close reading. Using tools like Voyant we are able to take pieces of literature and get a whole new perspective and new artistic creations. Using patterns, recurring words or phrases and thematic tendencies we are able to recognize details that were previously overlooked or deemed insignificant. The ability for websites like Voyants to show both predicted and unexpected patterns is a large benefit and why many find these tools so engaging. As the writer of Quantifying Literature says, “sometimes the data exposes trends or repetitions that are invisible to a casual reader.”. We are often unable to identify the meaning or the subject, frequency analysis can highlight specific themes throughout the author's work. We are able to comprehend and understand to a better degree about the main points.
A question that is brought up by the frequent use of data mining within the field of literary study. Should these techniques be relied upon while still using the conventional form of research? As we talked about in class this reliance should be in tandem with close reading allowing us to identify symbolism, metaphors and subtle tones and emotions while quantitative analysis is able to look at the macro picking up on large patterns and themes. While we might never be able to singularly use quantitative analysis to replace the more conventional literary research it can point us in a new direction that has not been considered.
With the help of voyant tools I was able to identify themes and word repetitions that were able to highlight some of the conflict Miriam was having when describing the story of her friend. At first disbelief was often highlighted within the common themes but as the story continued the story went from disgust to more tentative curiosity. Voyant was able to show the trajectory of storytellers' opinions allowing me to see in great detail the minor vocabulary words used to signal this change. Consequently, data mining functions as a springboard for a deeper examination of the text's emotional and thematic levels, enhancing rather than replacing conventional literary study methods.
I really liked the quote you included from the writer of Quantifying Literature, and how they said, "sometimes the data exposes trends or repetitions that invisible to a casual reader." I feel this quote relates highly to Voyant Tools, and how Voyant Tools exposes data trends, that a normal reader wouldn't see. Just like you, Voyant Tools was able to identify some of the themes in my short story, and without it I honestly wouldn't have thought of those patterns. If I just used Voyant Tools, and didn't read the short story I would have been able to discover the pattern between ghost, and brother, and from there I could've assumed that clearly there was a ghost in the story and that ghost is the brother to another character. I honestly found that pattern very interesting! You had an amazing post! I loved hearing about your use of Voyant Tools for your short story!
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