Use Benjie’s outline to write your own literary analysis, evaluating the novel that you chose. Consider each of the three sets of questions from this lesson: Write your essay on a sheet of paper: an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
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?
Give your essay a good title. Then use the rubric to make sure that you have accomplished the goals for writing an evaluation of a novel. Talk about your essay with your Learning Coach.
Sample Answer
Activity 2
Create a video recording of yourself reading aloud your literary analysis. Practice your presentation first, paying attention to these aspects of your delivery:
speaking rate
volume
enunciation
use of a variety of natural gestures
conventions of language and public speaking
Title: An Analysis of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Introduction:
In Harper Lee's classic novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the plot is structured around the trial of Tom Robinson, an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman in the racially charged atmosphere of Maycomb, Alabama. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl who observes the events unfolding around her with a mixture of innocence and growing understanding. The characters in the novel, including Scout, her brother Jem, their father Atticus, and their neighbor Boo Radley, undergo significant growth and change throughout the novel, adding depth to the exploration of the themes of prejudice, injustice, and moral courage. The setting of Maycomb itself plays a crucial role in shaping the story, providing a backdrop of small-town Southern life that influences the actions and beliefs of the characters.
Body Paragraph 1:
The plot of "To Kill a Mockingbird" is carefully structured to unfold gradually, with the trial of Tom Robinson serving as the central event around which the story revolves. As Scout and Jem witness the events surrounding the trial, they come to understand the harsh realities of racism and injustice in their community. The plot develops in a way that makes sense, as the story builds towards a climactic conclusion that challenges the beliefs and values of the characters and readers alike.
Body Paragraph 2:
The characters in "To Kill a Mockingbird" undergo significant growth and change throughout the novel, particularly Scout and Jem as they confront the prejudices and injustices of the world around them. Their development adds depth to the novel's themes, as their experiences force them to grapple with difficult questions of morality, empathy, and courage. The transformation of Atticus, from a respected lawyer defending an innocent man to a symbol of moral integrity and perseverance, also enhances the overall impact of the novel's themes.
Body Paragraph 3:
The setting of Maycomb, Alabama, is a crucial element in shaping the story of "To Kill a Mockingbird." The small-town atmosphere of Maycomb, with its rigid social hierarchies and entrenched racial prejudices, provides a rich backdrop for the exploration of the novel's themes. The setting affects the overall story by influencing the actions and beliefs of the characters, highlighting the challenges they face in confronting the injustices of their society.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of prejudice, injustice, and moral courage through its carefully structured plot, dynamic characters, and evocative setting. By analyzing the development of the plot, the growth of the characters, and the role of the setting, we can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's enduring impact and relevance.