Questions for Planning a Novel Study

1. Theme

- underlying comment or idea about life.

• What is the author is trying to tell us about life?
• What is the message or moral of the novel?
• Have you been influenced by the novel?
• Does the theme compare or contrast with that of other literature that you have studied?

2. Plot

- the pattern of related incidents or episodes.

• Does the novel have a traditional plot outline, including:
  • introduction?
  • crisis and conflict?
  • climax?
  • resolution?
  • conclusion?
• Does the author effectively introduce characters and setting?
• How has the use of conflict and crisis been used to build up to a climax?
• Do the events in the novel lead to an exciting or thought-provoking climax?
• Is the conflict and crisis in the novel resolved to the reader's satisfaction?
• What is the effect of the conclusion on the reader's understanding of the plot, character development, and ideas expressed in the novel?
• How does the plot of the novel differ in construction from that of the traditional plot outline?
• Does the book tell a good story?
• Does the plot have action and suspense?
• What is the effect of action or suspense on the emotions of the reader?
• How does each episode further the plot?
• Are there any unexpected "twists" to the plot?
• Is the plot plausible and credible?
• Is the plot well constructed?

3. Characterization

- authors development of characters.

• Who are the main characters?
• Can the reader accept the characters as real people? (Are they true to life?)
• Does the character develop or grow as a result of the incidents in the story?
• Does the reader come to know the characters as individuals with unique strengths and weaknesses?
• Can the reader become involved in the emotions of the characters?
• What motivates the characters to behave as they do?
• Would the reader have acted in the same manner as the character?

4. Setting

- place and time.

• Where does the story take place?
• When does the story take place?
• Does the description of the setting create a vivid mental picture for the reader?
• Is there any change in setting?
• How does the setting of the story affect:
  • the general atmosphere of the story?
  • the outcome of the story?
  • the plot?
  • the characters?
  • the emotions of the reader?

5. Style

- the unique way in which an author writes.

• How do you feel about the way the author writes?
• Can you recognize the varying importance of setting, theme, plot, and characterization in this story?

6. Literal and Figurative Language

- the author's use of language.

• What figures of speech does the author use?
• In what ways does the author's use of figurative language improve upon or detract from your understanding of the novel?

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September, 2000