Evaluating a Novel
Sometimes you will need to write an essay that explains and interprets a work of literature. This kind of writing is called literary analysis. A literary analysis of a novel can give your reader a broader understanding of the novel that you read.
Most literary analyses focus on just a few elements of the text. To evaluate a novel, you might look at these basic questions:
How is the plot structured? Does the plot develop in a way that makes sense?
Do the characters grow and change? Does their growth and change add to my understanding of the novel’s theme?
What role does the setting play? How does the setting affect the overall story?
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Benjie finished reading Little Women. He wants to write a literary analysis of the novel, answering the questions above.
Benjie starts by making an outline:
Introduction
Novel I’m evaluating: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
My main points about the novel’s plot, characters, and setting
Body
Paragraph answering questions about plot
Paragraph answering questions about characters
Paragraph answering questions about setting
Conclusion
Restatement of my key points
Connection of my main points to the novel as a whole.
Benjie will give his essay a title that connects his ideas.
Benjie will use the rubric here to assess his own writing. Read the rubric carefully before you write your own literary analysis.
Literary Analysis Portfolio Rubric
Evaluating Your Literary Analysis
Another way to assess your literary analysis is to present your ideas orally, as if you were sharing them in front of an audience. Reading your own writing aloud can help you evaluate how well you have communicated your ideas. It makes it easier to notice things such as missing or overused words, awkward sentences or transitions, and the need to vary your sentence structure or length. When you listen to your own literary analysis, you also may realize that your ideas can be better organized or explained.
Evaluating your work in this way is easier if you make a video recording of your presentation. Then, you can watch the video and focus on listening to your literary analysis instead of reading it. At the same time, you can check that your delivery helps you communicate your ideas, instead of distracting your audience from what you are saying. This will help you develop your presentation skills.
When you watch your video, look for the answers to the following questions related to your presentation skills:
Are you speaking at a rate that is easy to follow, or should you speed up or slow down your delivery?
Will raising or lowering the volume of your voice help you be heard?
Are you enunciating, or pronouncing, your words clearly?
Do you use a variety of natural gestures to support what you are saying? For example, holding up your hands can stress how important something is. If you say you will discuss three points, you can show that number with your fingers.
Are you using correct grammar and other conventions of language and public speaking, such as pausing in appropriate places and making eye contact with your audience by looking directly at the camera?
create an essay
Title: Exploring the Themes of Family, Growth, and Setting in Little Women
Introduction:
In Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women, the plot, characters, and setting all play crucial roles in conveying the themes of family, growth, and the impact of setting on the overall story.
Plot:
The plot of Little Women is structured in a way that follows the lives of the March sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up, finding themselves, and dealing with the different aspects of life. The plot develops in a linear fashion, showing the progression of the characters as they face various trials and tribulations. The plot makes sense and effectively conveys the themes of family and personal growth.
Characters:
The characters in Little Women, particularly the March sisters, grow and change significantly throughout the novel. Each sister has her own journey and struggles, and their growth and development add depth to the overall themes of the novel. From Meg's desire for wealth and status to Jo's ambition and independence, the characters evolve in ways that enhance the reader's understanding of the novel's themes.
Setting:
The setting of Little Women, the March family home in Concord, Massachusetts, plays a significant role in shaping the story and the characters' experiences. The cozy, intimate setting provides a backdrop for the family's interactions and relationships, highlighting the importance of family and home in the characters' lives. Additionally, the setting reflects the time period and social norms of the 19th century, adding authenticity and depth to the story.
Conclusion:
In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott masterfully weaves together the elements of plot, character, and setting to create a rich and engaging narrative that explores themes of family, growth, and the impact of setting on the characters' lives. Through a careful analysis of these elements, we gain a deeper understanding of the novel's underlying messages and the timeless appeal of the March sisters' story.
By evaluating these key elements of the novel, we can appreciate the complexities of Alcott's storytelling and the enduring themes that resonate with readers of all ages. As we delve into the world of Little Women, we uncover a timeless tale of love, sisterhood, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.