Novel Analysis

Documents MUST be submited in MSWord format (.doc or .docx)

General rules for the Novel Analysis

The novel analysis must be typed and double-spaced on typing paper, front side only, with one inch margins on all four sides. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Instructions

This assignment has three components. Each student will

  1. Carefully read a work of fiction from the selected reading list
  2. Write a one (1) page (250 word) introduction to the novel.This introduction will identify
    • the major characters with a brief description of each
    • the setting of the story: time, location, any special characteristics
    • the central conflict in the story - What is at stake? What problems is the novel addressing? What direction is the novel taking?

    However, while this introduction may indicate where the novel is going, it should not explain how the conflict is resolved in the end. In other words, do not summarize the novel. Instead, this introduction should be similar to the blurb of a book.
  3. Write a five (5) page analysis (1250 words minimum, no maximum) of the novel, explaining the ways in which myth underlies the novel, how myth is used in the novel, how any particular myth may be modified in the novel, how the various theories and approaches to myth can open up the novel to a reader, and an explanation for the choices made by the author based on the student's own perceptions of the work without reference to resources other than the work of fiction itself. Students must incorporate at least three (3) different critical approaches to their novel from each of three categories: a plot approach, a character approach, and one approach other (Category 3). Students are encouraged to apply additional approaches to add breadth to their paper, and students should examine in depth each theory as it applies to their novel.  The student's aim in the analysis is to demonstrate to the instructor that the student can apply the various ideas and theories about myth studied in this class to a work of fiction.
    • Give a brief summary of the approach being used, including identifying its source
    • Define the specific stage, trait, or nature of the approach being applied, and
    • Indicate the specific details from the novel that demonstrate the theoretical approach defined.
    • The three required approaches must be developed with significant details covering a significant portion of the approach.

Some possible approaches to the analysis

This is not a research assignment. Students may not use any source material other than the work of fiction itself. Again, students may not use any resource materials for this assignment other than materials presented in this course. Under no circumstances should students be reading any materials that discuss their novel. Students who use materials to discuss the novel that are NOT part of the course content will be charged with a violation of academic integrity, will receive a zero for the assignment, and will fail the course.

No two students will read and write about the same work of fiction. A reading list is attached. Click on the link to view the reading list. When you are given the option to download the list, clicking on the link will open the list so that you can read it.

Students in the online courses should e-mail me their choices using our course e-mail. Students in campus courses will select novels in class by lottery. Novels will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Students are required to submit this assignment. Students who do not submit this assignment are ineligible to pass this course.

Work Ethic Credit: To earn the Work Ethic Credit for this assignment, the student must submit the completed paper at least three hours in advance of when the Dropbox was originally set to close; and the assignment must be complete, follow all guidelines, and meet all requirements for the assignment.