Novel Analysis
Due Date __________ Name __________________________ Block _____
Date ______________
Please complete the following information in point form notes using the numbering system given (not in
paragraphs). Write analysis on separate paper using this sheet as the front cover of your final assignment.
Title ________________________________________
Author ______________________________________
Publisher ____________________________________ Copyright Date your edition ______________________
I
1.
Biographical Details
Use the book, reference books, or the internet to determine author’s real name, dates of birth and death
(if dead), education and/or work history as it pertains to the novel your are reading. List any other books
written by author, unless like Stephen King there are hundreds, then just list the numbers in each genre.
You can attach a print out from the internet or a photocopy of the book jacket as long as it is edited for
relevant information. You do not have to re-write it.
II.
1.
Setting
What is the setting (time and place) of your novel? These may change as the novel progresses, if so
simply add new times and places as they occur.
Does the author make use of nature? (Rain in sad times, storms when characters are in chaos etc.) If
so, explain when and where it occurs and what the effect is?
Could the story be as effective in another time or place? Why or why not?
Does the setting play a major role in the story? Explain
2.
3.
4.
III.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
IV
1.
2.
3.
V
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Vi
1.
Plot
What is the initial incident or narrative hook? This should occur before the end of chapter one and
should start the conflict.
List of least 10 crises that the protagonist faces throughout your novel.
At what point does the story reach the climax? (This is the place where you know protagonist wins or
loses.)
How does the author (what devices are used to) hold your interest? Suspense, humour, description)
What is the major problem (conflict) the protagonist has to face and how does this problem come about?
Does the denouement or resolution of the story leave you satisfied? This doesn’t mean: do you like the
ending. Are you left feeling that everything is not tidied up completely or that everything worked out too
easily and the end seems faked or manipulated? Explain.
Characterization
Describe the physical appearance and personality of the protagonist.
People are usually a mixture of admirable or strong qualities and unlikable or weak characteristics. Find
two important characters. NOT THE PROTAGONIST, and show how each character is a blend of both
positive and negative traits.
Discuss the role of two minor characters in the story. MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE TWO NEW
CHARACTERS. Explain how they affect the story even though they may not appear often, or interact
with everyone. Where are they in the story? What do they do?
Theme
While you are reading do you notice any continuing issues that concern the author or characters?
(difficulties associated with growing up, violence, crime, striving for success) Name them.
Are there any symbols used to develop these issues? (If something occurs 3 or more times in a story
consider it a symbol – every time the team loses it rains – rain becomes a symbol for lost hopes or
failure.)
Try to state the theme of the novel. Sometimes a character or the author will state the theme explicitly:
other items it is implicit and you have to guess what the book is saying about the issues presented.
Is it a valuable them on which to base a book? Why?
Should I consider it for classroom use? Why or why not?
Author’s Style
Find examples of 3 stylistic devices to describe the writing style of your author. List the trait/device then
give a quote from the book to prove what you mean. Stephen King, for example, uses graphic
description and creativity. Other authors use simple vocabulary and sentence structure. Fantasy, diary,
suspense are all used.
Biography
Non-Fiction Biography or Autobiography Analysis
Name: _________________________
Block: _________________________
Subject: __________________________________________________________________________________
Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Author: __________________________________________________________________________________
Publisher: _______________________________ Copyright date: __________________________________
I
II
Biographical Details
1. Use library computer or reference books to determine author’s real name, dates of birth and death, education
and/or work history as it pertains to the book. Mention how the author came to be interested in the subject of
your book and note, any other books written by the same author. Make sure you edit information copied from
computer and reference books, You do not have to re-write it.
Setting
1.
2.
In what locations and years does your book take place. Give the dates as a time span.
Does the setting play a major role in the story? Explain.
III
Plot
1. What incident does the author begin with?
2. List at least ten crises the protagonist. (subject of your book) undergoes.
3. What is the pivotal point for the protagonist according to the author?
4. What point in the story did you find most interesting or exciting? Why?
5. There is an expression that says, “Truth is stranger than fiction. “Does anything happen that you find hard to
believe?
6. How does the author hold your interest?
7. Does the denouement “satisfy” you? Explain.
IV
Characterization
1. Describe the character (physical and mental) of the protagonist or subject.
2. Refer to two important characters and show how they both have both positive (likeable) traits and negative
(unpleasant) qualities in their personalities.
3. Choose two more people, minor characters, Explain who they are and why they are included in the story.
V
Theme
1.
2.
3.
4.
VI
What issues come up in this story? What seems to be a concern mentioned in the book?
Are there any symbols used in the story? Does anything have a special meaning to the protagonist and then to
the reader?
What is the attitude of the author towards the subject? How does the author want you to feel towards the
subject?
Was this a good topic for a book? Explain.
Author’s Style
1.
Use your knowledge of stylistic traits and devices to describe the writing style of the author. List the
trait/device and then give an example from the book. Find at least three different traits or devices.
1. Use of imagery
1. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking
2. Diary form
thirteen.”
3. Suspense
2. The entire book is written as a diary.
3. “ On each landing, opposite the lift shaft,
the enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those
pictures which are so contrived that the eyes follow you about when
you move.”
4. creativity
5. parallel sentence structure
6. horror
7. use of humour
8. science fiction
9. dialogue
10. dialect
11. simple or complex sentence structure / vocaulary