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 Essays will depend upon the novel and scene chosen. An example based on Little Women follows:
How Plot, Character, and Setting Work Together in Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a novel set during and after the Civil War. It tells the story of four sisters as they grow, change, and mature. The novel’s plot, character development, and setting work together to paint a picture of a time when family togetherness and love were seen as the qualities that did the most to help children to develop into decent, good adults.
The plot follows the sisters as they age from pre-teens and teenagers to young women. It tracks their ups and downs through humiliations and small disasters to success and love. They meet new friends, and they observe both kindness and bad behavior in others. Each event helps to clarify the girls’ understanding of what is important in life.
The girls themselves are very different. Their changes over time show how they learn about life. Jo is bad-tempered and wild as the book begins. By the end, she is loving and kind but still clever and funny. Meg is jealous of other people’s possessions and lifestyles. As she ages, she learns to love what she has. Amy is spoiled and ignores other people’s needs. A series of events turns her into a pleasant person whom other people admire. Even Beth overcomes shyness and shows real affection toward people who are kind to her. All of the characters’ changes point to the novel’s theme of family and its effect on personal development.
The Civil War setting is important to the story. It affects the plot by sending the girls’ father away and bringing him home wounded. At that time, girls and women had fewer choices than they do today. Jo seems even more of a rebel because of the time in which she wrote and worked. Throughout the novel, the March home is contrasted with other homes that are not as full of love and fun. That is an important difference that explains why the sisters are tied so closely to home and family.
All three elements—plot, character, and setting—work together in Little Women to show how a strong and loving family can affect children’s progress toward upstanding adulthood. In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott teaches her readers important lessons about caring and kindness. in kid words
Growing Up with Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women is a heartwarming story that follows the lives of four sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the Civil War. The plot of the novel is structured in a way that allows the characters to experience various struggles and triumphs, ultimately leading them towards personal growth and maturity.
Throughout the story, the characters of Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth undergo significant changes that add depth to the novel’s theme of the importance of family and love. Jo, initially portrayed as rebellious and hotheaded, learns to embrace kindness and love. Meg discovers the value of contentment and gratitude, while Amy transforms from a spoiled child to a compassionate and admired young woman. Even the quiet and shy Beth overcomes her hesitations to show affection to those around her. The evolution of these characters highlights the transformative power of familial bonds and love.
The setting of the Civil War plays a crucial role in shaping the events of the novel. The absence of the girls’ father due to the war, as well as the limited opportunities available to women during that time, contribute to their struggles and decisions. The March home, with its warmth, love, and joy, serves as a stark contrast to the other homes portrayed in the novel, emphasizing the importance of family in shaping individuals’ characters.
In Little Women, Alcott effectively weaves together the elements of plot, character development, and setting to deliver a powerful message about the significance of family, love, and kindness in the journey towards adulthood. The novel teaches valuable lessons about the impact of familial relationships on personal growth and development, resonating with readers of all ages. Through the experiences of the March sisters, readers are reminded of the enduring power of love and compassion in shaping individuals’ lives.
Ultimately, Little Women stands as a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers to cherish their family bonds and strive towards becoming better, kinder individuals. Alcott’s masterful storytelling and relatable characters make the novel a beloved tale that captures the essence of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.