Introduction
The novel I will be evaluating is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This timeless classic is set in the southern United States during the 1930s and follows the story of Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus as they navigate issues of racism, morality, and justice in their small town.
Body
1. How does the author develop the plot?
Harper Lee develops the plot of "To Kill a Mockingbird" through a combination of both the overarching trial of Tom Robinson and the smaller day-to-day events that Scout and Jem experience. The trial serves as the central focus that brings many of the town's prejudices and injustices to light, while the smaller events help to deepen our understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.
2. How do the characters change? What do they learn? How does that help me understand the novel's theme?
Throughout the novel, Scout and Jem undergo significant growth and change. They learn about the complexities of the world they live in, confront their own biases and assumptions, and come to understand the importance of empathy and understanding. These lessons help to underscore the novel's central theme of empathy and the importance of seeing the world from another's perspective.
3. How does the setting affect the characters? How does the setting affect the plot?
The setting of the small southern town of Maycomb plays a crucial role in shaping the characters and events of the novel. The town's history of racism and prejudice informs the attitudes and actions of many of its inhabitants, while the physical landscape of the town serves as a backdrop for the unfolding events of the story. The setting affects the characters by influencing their beliefs and actions, and it impacts the plot by creating a rich and detailed world for the story to unfold in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that tackles issues of racism, morality, and justice with grace and insight. Through its well-developed plot, complex characters, and vivid setting, Harper Lee crafts a story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The lessons learned by Scout and Jem serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our own lives, making "To Kill a Mockingbird" a timeless and enduring classic.
In this portfolio you will write your own literary analysis of the novel you have read over the semester using an outline similar to the one in the lesson.
Introduction (Paragraph 1)
Novel you are evaluating: Title and Author
The main points about the novel’s plot, characters, and setting
II. Body- Use these questions to help write your three body paragraphs
How does the author develop the plot? (Paragraph 2)
How do the characters change? What do they learn? How does that help me understand the novel’s theme? (Paragraph 3)
How does the setting affect the characters? How does the setting affect the plot? (Paragraph 4)
III. Conclusion
Restate your main points about the plot, characters, and setting. What did you learn from the novel? (Paragraph 5)
1 answer