HEURISTIC FOR ANALYZING A TEXT

Your name: Mason Wooton

Title of the text:

Genre:

Smile by Uncle Kracker

Music

1.NOTICINGS What do you notice about the text?

2.ANALYSIS QUESTIONS List the elements that

3.CONTEXTUAL CONNECTIONS Who

Describe it in as much detail as possible; use objective,

nonjudgmental descriptors:

make up the work, and then raise questions about the choices
the artist / author / creator made while developing the text.

created the text? Did one person produce it? a team? an

organization or corporation? What medium is used to
communicate the texts message?

The lyrics of the song have words that make you think of
happiness and so does the music video

Is it truly meant to be a happy song?

Uncle Kracker wrote the song along with a few other people

What are the images in the video meant to mean?

It was produced by Rob Cavallo

The rhythm and beat is very soothing and puts you in a good
mood

It was song by Uncle Kracker and Sheryl Crow

Brainstorm a list of the texts connections to social, cultural,
and/or historical contexts.

He doesnt really use any negative words

It has to do with finding who/ want makes you happy and smile
and hold on to it
Even the title of the song is smile which is associated with
happiness and joy

It has more social context then historical or cultural.

4.TOUCHSTONES Describe the texts audience, and

5.INQUIRY-GUIDED WONDERINGS

6.POSSIBLE LINES OF INQUIRY Begin

then list the rhetorical devices (logical, emotional, and/ or ethical

appeals) the creator of the text employs to enhance the
plausibility of his/her message.

Review the notes in boxes one through four. Circle the ideas or
questions that you find especially compelling. Use this space to
generate more questions or to explore the thoughts in more
detail.

drafting an inquiry question, a generative, open-ended question

that will guide the analysis. Usually, such questions begin with
how or what.

There is a big emotional appeal because it is talking about love

which every can relate to
I think the audience is people who are in love or who have been
in love and have that special person that they cant live without

How did he decide to film the video where he did?

What message is he really trying to send with the lyrics and
video?
What emotional appeal is he trying reach?

How does Uncle Kracker use melody and rhythm to express the
meaning of true love and the dynamics of a good relationship?
How does Uncle Kracker use melody and rhythm to express a
positive and meaningful message?

Questions to ask to help you interpret the meaning of the text:

What ideas might the artist have been trying to convey? To whom? Why? (Touchstones)
What in your own life are you reminded of as you observe this text? (Touchstones)
What does the text mean to you personally? How did the creator of the text reach you with its message? (Touchstones)
What are some of the issues with which the artist was concerned? (Context)
What might the text mean to society as a whole? (Context)