Study Tips/Inspirational: Studying a Novel

Studying a Novel

A novel should be read for enjoyment. The novel tells a story; this should be interesting, so that this part of your studies will not be found a hardship. Then, it is a good idea to re-read the novel, taking notes on each chapter. These should not be too detailed and should not normally exceed twenty sides of your note book for each book studied. Important lines from the novel itself should be incorporated in your notes. These quotations should not be too lengthy, each consisting of two or three sentences. Once you have summarised the novel in this way you will be able to read and re-read your summary until the essentials of the story are in your mind.

In your summary try to include the following:

Details of the main story

How the story develops.

The names and attitudes of the main characters.

The elements of the sub-plot, if any.

You should now take a more detailed look at the novel, going through it and adding to your notes pages on the topics we are about to suggest. You will find that these include nearly all you will be asked in the examination. Take a separate page of your notes for each topic and make sure you can add points, should any occur to you later.

One page each for the main characters in the novel. Write notes only. About ten main points on each character should be adequate. When considering character it is useful to note :-
(i) when a character appears

(ii) how he is introduced

(iii) what he wears - this sometimes gives an indication of his character

(iv) his physical features, especially deformities, e.g. Tiny Tim in "Christmas Carol"

(v) what he says

(vi) what he thinks - given in a play in soliloquy and in modern novels we often hear the thoughts of the characters

(vii) how he acts - especially under special circumstances such as danger, extreme emotion, etc.

(viii) what others say about him

(ix) what the author thinks him, e.g., a consideration of Shaw's preface gives an indication of what he thought about St. Joan

(x) what he represents - a particular social trait, class or theme

(xi) how a character changes

(xii) the name of the character - this is often important in plays and novels and is sometimes connected with the personality of the person concerned - e.g., Squealer in "Animal Farm", Pilgrim in "Pilgrim's Progress".
Descriptive passages in the novel. If the novel describes one main town or city, one main district, one main building or one ship, make sure you can describe this in your own words. If there are many description cover about five.
Be able to recount particular anecdotes mentioned in the book. Pick out five which are most important in your own estimation.
Are there any humorous passages in the book? If so, wrute down ten of the most humorous, If they are few, note them all.
Are there any really dramatic episodes in the novel? If somebody has died violently, heroically or under unusual circumstances, be prepared to recount it.
What elements of pathos are there in the novel? Do you feel sorry for any of the characters? If so, name them and say why they arouse your sympathy.
What can you learn of the author himself from his novel? Be able to say what you can about him, using quotations to illustrate your answer.
How does the story begin and end? Do you like the ending? If not, why not? If you do like the ending, be able to give reasons.
Be able to say something about the writer's technique. Are there any particular words, phrases, or sentences that he repeats? Consider his use of figures of speech (his imagery). Are his descriptions long-winding? Are his descriptions accurate? Do his characters seem as if they are living personalities? If you have noted these points you will be able to discuss the writer's style.
You may be asked to give your own views on one or two subjects. What is your favourite passage in the novel? Who is your favourite character, and why? What episode in the novel do you like best? Be prepared for this type of question.
Some books are written for a particular purpose, not at all evident from a first reading. "Animal Farm", by George Orwell, for example, is written for a satirical purpose. It is poking fun at communism. Other books might attempt to reform part of society or try to change attitudes, etc. If there are satirical or other attitures in your novel, be aware of them.
Some books might have a great deal of material about geography, history or nature study. A good example of the last-named is W. H. Hudson's "Far Away and Long Ago". In such novels pay particular attention to the special subject, for you may be asked questions about this background in your examination.
If you have to study short stories make sure you watch for the following:
(i) economy of words

(ii) special techniques

(iii) surprise endings
Is there a dramatic quality in the novel you are studying? Would it have made a good play or film? Be able to discuss this dramatic quality. Is there any love interest?
What narrative method is employed? Is the story told in the first person? Is it autobiographical? Is it told in the third person? Is is told by a person other than the hero?
The development of the plot is important. Consider how the novelist develops his theme.
Has the novel unity? If so, is it based on character (like Oliver in "Oliver Twist"), or locality, (like Thomas Hardy's "Mayor of Casterbridge") or around a central theme (like George Orwell's "1984")?
Consider whether the setting is drawn realistically and convincingly. Many great novelists write about particular regions and localities - Scott and the Border country ; Dickens and London ; Thomas Hardy and Wessex ; George Eliot and the Midlands and the Brontë sisters and Yorkshire.
Consider whether the novelist is good at dialogue. Is it interesting? Is there too much dialogue? Does the dialogue fit the character? Are the words the usual ones that people would say in the circumstances.
You must get to know your novel intimately. Your knowledge of the set book should be enhanced by the work suggested above, and when you have completed it :-

(a) Read your notes on the summary and on the other themes mentioned above.

(b) Re-read them at least once every week.

(c) Do not neglect to re-read the actual novel. You will find the notes you have made excellent for revision purposes immediately before the examination, but you should continue re-reading the novel itself until just prior to the examination date.

(d) Lastly, it is a good idea to get a small note-book, one that will fit into your pocket or handbag. In this, you should write down quotations from the novel and learn and revise them constantly.