“How can I analyze the make-up

of a novel to increase my
understanding of the plot and
the author’s purpose?” – anonymous
student, 11/14/2009

Components of a novel can be:

PLOT STRUCTURE – this is the story- what’s going on, how

the story evolves.
- Foreshadowing
– Rise in Action
– Suspense
– Dramatic Irony
– Climax
– Resolution

AUTHOR”S MOTIVATION – this is the messages and themes

an author might want to express in his work. Remember,
unlike your manifesto, which was direct and to the point, like
an advertisement, the messages are more subtle in the
novel.

- Theme
- Motive
- Motif
- Symbolism
- Metaphor

Writing Style. This is the particular manner in which an

author writes. Just like a musician has his own style, so does
an author. The more we develop our reading and analytical
skills the more obvious it is to identify an author’s writing.
“EEEUGGHHH, Sham-ON! Ehhh- heeee- heee!” I think we
know who sang this. If we delve deep enough into Bradbury,
we will notice a very distinct style.
- Word choice
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Imagery
- Allusion
 - Conventions
- Sentence fluency
- Alliteration

1) Define the literary terms

You will be working as a group, thus receiving a group grade.

Do me conscientious of your work ethic.

2) In your group, find numerous examples of each literary

element. Remember, on example is not enough justification.