Novel Study – Change in a Story
LEARNING TARGETS:
Students will read for the purpose of literary analysis, exploring features in novels and the functions they serve to the storytelling experience. |
Nearly all stories have some sort of change in them. Whether they are short stories, novels, plays, or films, something significant is different at the end of the story than at the beginning. The change that occurs in a story often shows the reader an understanding about life and living. We also call this the theme.
Usually the change in a short story involves one of the following:
- There might be a change in the main character. For example, the main character might change his or her opinion about something, OR the main character might change the way she or he behaves.
- There might be a change in the main character’s situation. For example, the main character might be in a better situation (or a worse situation) at the end of the story than at the beginning.
- There might be a change in the way the reader feels about the main character. For example, the reader might like the main character more (or less) at the end of the story than at the beginning.
Challenge 1:
After you have read the first two chapters of your novel , try to predict what will change by the end of the novel.
Articulate your positions clearly. Provide a clear rationale for your decisions by tying to specific events from the story to your ideas. |
Challenge 2:
After you have finished reading your novel, identify what changed in the story, and suggest what the author is showing readers about life and living as a result of this change. Compare your prediction with what actually happened – were you satisfied with the change the author wrote in their novel? Why or why not?
Offer SPECIFIC details with examples from the story. |