Assignment Description: Analysis of Novels

 

Title: Analyzing Novels – Themes, Characters, and Narrative

This assignment requires you to analyze and compare selected novels, focusing on their themes, characters, and narrative techniques. The analysis should be a minimum of 800 words and is worth 100 points.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 500 words
  • Adherence to MLA formatting guidelines (12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, one-inch margins, etc.)
  • A unique, relevant title reflecting the essay’s content
  • Submission in PDF or Word file format (.doc or .docx)

Instructions:

Your analysis should include the following:

  • Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction to the selected novels and their respective authors.
  • Summary: Provide a concise summary of each novel, highlighting the main plot points and central conflicts.
  • Thematic Analysis: Analyze the themes explored in each novel, discussing how the authors develop and convey these themes through the actions, dialogue, and experiences of the characters.
  • Character Analysis: Discuss the major characters in each novel, focusing on their development, motivations, and relationships. Explore how the characters contribute to the overall themes and narrative of the novels.
  • Narrative Analysis: Examine the narrative techniques employed by the authors, such as point of view, structure, and language. Discuss how these techniques enhance the storytelling and contribute to the overall impact of the novels.
  • Comparison: Compare and contrast the themes, characters, and narrative techniques across the selected novels, identifying similarities and differences in their treatment and execution.
  • Conclusion: Conclude the essay by summarizing your findings and offering your overall assessment of the effectiveness and significance of each novel’s themes, characters, and narrative techniques.

Additional Guidelines:

  • Read each selected novel carefully, taking note of important plot details, character arcs, and narrative techniques.
  • Consider the historical, social, and cultural contexts in which each novel was written and the authors’ intentions.
  • Support your analysis with specific examples and quotations from the novels, providing detailed explanations and interpretations.
  • Avoid extensive plot summarization; instead, focus on analyzing and interpreting the thematic elements, characters, and narrative techniques.
  • Stick to the MLA format guidelines for citation if you refer to specific passages or quote directly from the novels.
  • No additional research sources are required, but include a Works Cited page if you consult any external sources.

Proofreading and Grading Criteria:

  • What does the essay do especially well?
  • Does the title effectively reflect the content of the essay? How could it be improved?
  • Does the introduction provide a concise overview of the selected novels and their authors?
  • Is the summary of each novel clear and informative?
  • Are the thematic analysis, character analysis, and examination of narrative techniques comprehensive and insightful?
  • Does the essay effectively compare and contrast the themes, characters, and narrative techniques across the selected novels?
  • Does the conclusion effectively summarize the analysis and provide a thoughtful assessment of each novel?
  • Is the essay well-written, organized, and free of grammatical or spelling errors?
  • Does the essay meet the minimum word count requirement?

 

Selected Novels:

  • The Princess Bride (1973) by William Goldman
  • Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) by Harper Lee