7.1.2 - ANNOTATING YOUR NOVEL
NOVEL STUDY
KEEP ALL THESE IDEAS IN MIND BECAUSE THEY WILL BE NEEDED
FOR YOUR POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (FINAL EXAM)
Annotating as you read your novel is an excellent way to keep track of literary elements within the novel. It deepens your understanding of the text and broadens your perspective on many elements within the novel. In this way, you have up-to-date information, opinions and ideas about every section of the novel, making it easier to analyse and prepare your Powerpoint Presentation on Tuesday, May 2nd.
While annotating your novel, make notes on the following:
1. LITERARY STYLE: What literary devices does the author use? Imagery; Figurative Language; Descriptive Language; Dialogue etc.
2. CHARACTERS: How do the characters interact with each other, grow and change in the novel? Can you identify with them? How do you feel about them? What is their role?
3. SETTING: Where are the principal locations in the novel? How does the author describe them? What image is in your mind when you picture them? How do they contribute to the mood of the story?
4. MAIN EVENTS: What are the key plot points (events) throughout the novel? What are the turning points and shifts? How do they contribute to the story and enrich the characters? What is your reaction to these events?
5. THEME: What is the focus of the novel? What is the author's purpose in writing the book? What message does he/she want to share with you? What does the author want you to learn about?
6. INTENDED AUDIENCE: Is there a particular age, gender or population that the author is aiming this novel towards? Who might benefit from reading this work? Would you recommend it to anyone?
7. OWN OPINION/CONNECTIONS TO THE TEXT: Make connections to the text from your past/everyday experiences.
8. TEXT AND SOCIETY-What message can you learn from the text about past/present communities and societies?
9. POINT OF VIEW: Whose Point of View is being expressed in the novel or text? How do you know?