Sophomore Independent Novel Project
As the name implies, independent reading will require you to read a novel of your choice on your own
and during extra time during class. It may take you a long time to read a novel, and you will be expected
to do all of the reading and projects outside of our instructional time. Do not procrastinate your
reading! Throughout the quarter there will be ongoing assessments in the form of quizzes, write-ups,
and mini-essays. There will be several other students in class who will be reading your novel with you;
thus, you will be expected to participate in an academic discussion with these classmates throughout
the quarter. The project is due on or before _______________________. Please make sure projects are
turned in on time as you will only receive half credit for late projects (see the syllabus for additional
information.) You are expected to have this novel with you at all times in the event there is class time to
read.
Directions:
You are to choose 10 of the 14 elements listed below to write about for your essay. The format should
be in the form of bullet points, with each point addressed in a paragraph (5-7 sentences) using textual
evidence. Use MLA for your citations. An example is provided below:
Novel- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Genre: fantasy fiction
Author- J.K. Rowling
 Character:
o The novel includes many diverse characters of various ages, genders, and ethnicities.
Your static characters include the three protagonists: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger,
and Ron Weasley. Harry Potter is the leading character of the trio, and the novel is
about his experiences in the Wizarding games and his constant battle with his nemesis,
Voldemort. “But someone else had considered it…someone else had wanted him in the
tournament, and had made sure he was entered” (282). Hermione Granger is not of
wizarding decent; rather, she is a muggle with the powers of a witch. She is the
sensible, logical character of the three. “I think we ought to start on some of these
hexes this evening” (574). Ron is their red-headed friend who is often absent-minded
and the most fearful. “Come with one of us! It is one thing for a bloke to show up alone,
but for a girl it's just sad: (625). The novel includes a handful of other characters, all
whom play a vital role to the novel’s plot, but one must not forget Dumbledore, the
headmaster of Hogwarts and Harry’s mentor, and Voldemort, the antagonist. There are
other characters are static, or change throughout the course of the novel. Cedric
Diggory, one of Harry’s competitors in the Tri-Wizard tournament, initially did not friend
Harry, but once Harry confided in Cedric what the first challenge was in the games, a
friendship formed.
Below are the 13 elements to choose from, along with their descriptions (note: you do not have to
address every question; however, you are to be thoughtful with your analysis):
The author and his/her times: born/died; biographical background important to understanding the
novel (ex: J.K. Rowling is from England, so there is English colloquialisms throughout the novel…ex:
“bollocks”); important family, community, national and world events that influenced the author and
novel; other artistic or literary influences, critical response and literary standing during their lifetime
and/or posthumously.
Form, Structure, and Plot: How is the novel organized? Length? Chapters? Discuss techniques such as
flashbacks or dream sequences, stream of consciousness, chronological order of events, foreshadowing,
parallel events, multiple complex, or simple plot. How much time is covered? Compare and contrast
beginning and end.
Point of New (Narrative Perspective): Is the novel written from first person (“I”), second person (“you”),
or third person (“he/she”)? Is it a reminiscence or recent perspective voice written in the present tense
or the past tense? If in the first person, is he/she the protagonists or an observer? If in third, is he/she
omniscient (knowing everything), or limited omniscient (knowing one character most often)? Are there
any shifts in point of view during the novel? What effect does the author achieve with point of view and
what seems to be his/her purpose?
Character: General comments: flat/round? Static/dynamic? Believable? How are they revealed? How
complex? How many? Who is the protagonist? Antagonist? Role of minor characters? Then, describe 4-6
central characters: name, age, three descriptive adjectives, appearance, personality, function in novel,
significance, home, a key quote with an explanation of what the quote reveals.
Setting: Where and when does the novel occur? How is the environment described? Any symbolic
meanings in the setting? How does the author use setting? What ATMOSPHERE is created by the
setting? How important is the setting to the novel (what does it establish? Mood?)?
Diction: Analyze the author’s word choices. First, discuss the work in general: is the diction informal,
formal, natural, or colloquial? Explain and given an example. Does the author use much imagery?
Metaphoric and/or ironic devices? Is the language plain? Flowery? Concise? Strong? Lyrical? Does
diction indicate social status, education, and/or region? How much dialogues is used? How different is
the dialogue from the narrative voice? How distinct is the dialogue from character to character? Give
examples from the text.
Syntax: Make some general observations: Are the sentences predominantly simple or complex? What
about length? Level of formality? Any fragments? Rhetorical questions? Parallel structure? Repetitions?
Is there much variety to the sentence pattern? How does the author use syntax to create rhythm and
flow of the language? Give examples from the text and explain.
Symbolism: When an image is used to suggest complex or multiple means, it becomes a symbol. Is the
novel highly symbolic? Allegorical? Point out images used as symbols. What functions does the
symbolism seem to serve? Use direct quotations from the text to support observations.
Figurative Language: Language that is not literal. Metaphorical devices link meaning; most common are
metaphor, simile, personification, and allusion. Point out examples; how they are used and how often.
What effect does the figurative language have on the novel as a whole?
Ironic Devices: Irony adds extra dimensions to meaning, sets up special understanding between writer
and reader. Most common include verbal, situational, or dramatic irony; paradox, oxymoron,
euphemism, hyperbole, and understatement. Point out examples and explain how they are used.
Tone: The author’s attitude toward subject, characters, and reader. Could be playful, serious, angry,
ironic, formal, somber, satiric, etc. Generally, an author uses a limited variety of tones, often two or
three complimentary ones. Discuss the book’s tone and observe how the author creates it through plot,
diction, syntax, imagery, and figurative devices. Use direct quotations from text to support observations.
Theme: The theme refers to the book’s controlling idea or central insight. Identify the book’s central
theme. Identify any prominent secondary themes. Express as statements with subject and predicate, not
as a word or phrase (i.e. Wrong: “loyalty” or “loyalty to country”; Right: “loyalty to country often
inspires heroic self-sacrifice).
Personal Commentary: Did you enjoy the novel? Strengths, weaknesses, lingering questions? Does it
relate to other books you have read? Any insights into human folly or triumph? Do you expect any
lasting effects on you?