The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle
The novel study portfolio will be a literary analysis of the novel you just read. You will focus on determining a theme for your novel and how the characters, setting, and plot helped you determine this theme.
Theme - the message or lesson about life conveyed in a work of literature
Literary Analysis - an essay that explains and interprets a work of literature
Ask yourself these questions:
*How did the characters' experiences and changes throughout the novel help you determine the theme?
*How did details of the setting help you determine the theme?
*How did the different plot events help you determine the theme?
Sometimes novels can have more than one theme. You just have to choose one theme from your novel and focus on that.
Although this portfolio will not be a summary of the novel, it's important to think about each chapter in that way, how the characters have changed, what they've learned, and how different events in the story led up to the ending of your novel. Again, all of this will help you determine the overall theme.
Often times the theme is an overall idea/message from the story and the moral of the story can be the lesson learned. It really just depends on the type of novel you are reading in order to determine what the best message you want to talk about in your literary analysis of your novel.
Literary Analysis Essay - Make sure to use MLA formatting to set up your essay (for the heading, title, paragraphing, line spacing, font, etc.).
Five Paragraphs - This is a suggested outline. Body paragraphs do not need to necessarily be in this order. Make sure to include a full introduction, body, and conclusion to your literary analysis.
Paragraph 1: Introduction -
Novel information (title and author)
Engage the reader with something interesting about the novel
THESIS STATEMENT about the theme
Paragraph 2 Body -
How the plot contributes to the theme
Paragraph 3 Body -
How the characters contribute to the theme
Paragraph 4: Body -
How the setting contributes to the theme
Paragraph 6: Conclusion -
Restatement of key points and reinforcement thesis statement
Overall, in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle, the theme of the power of observation and deduction is prevalent throughout the novel. Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant detective, uses his keen sense of observation and deduction to solve mysteries and crimes. The characters, setting, and plot all work together to highlight this theme.
The plot events in the novel all revolve around Holmes using his observational skills to solve various cases. For example, in "A Scandal in Bohemia," Holmes is able to deduce that the King is being blackmailed by observing the King's behavior and the clues presented to him. This shows how the plot events help to showcase Holmes' talent for observation and deduction, ultimately leading to the resolution of each case.
The characters in the novel also play a significant role in highlighting the theme of observation and deduction. Holmes is the epitome of this theme, as his character is based on his exceptional ability to notice details that others may overlook. Dr. John Watson, Holmes' loyal companion, serves as a contrast to Holmes and helps to emphasize just how extraordinary Holmes' observational skills truly are.
Additionally, the setting of Victorian London adds to the theme of observation and deduction in the novel. The dark, gloomy streets of London provide the perfect backdrop for the mysteries that Holmes must solve. The setting enhances the atmosphere of the novel and sets the stage for Holmes to showcase his detective skills.
In conclusion, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle effectively conveys the theme of the power of observation and deduction through its characters, setting, and plot. Holmes' exceptional talent for noticing details and making deductions is central to the novel, and readers are continually impressed by his ability to solve seemingly impossible cases. Doyle's masterful storytelling showcases how observation and deduction can be powerful tools in solving mysteries, making this theme a central aspect of the novel.