For This Project, You Will Read a Novel and Create a Collection of Index Cards Based On

Marek

Index Novel

For this project, you will read a novel and create a collection of index cards based on literary elements, textual evidence, and secondary sources. Although the requirements for each section are outlined here, the ultimate goal is to approach this creatively. All work will be on 5x7 index cards – lined side only. Some type of visual, graphic, or picture should be on the unlined sides. Figure out a way to bind these cards together so that the final product resembles something like a book.

COVER CARD: Be creative, do this one vertically. Include the title of the novel and the author. Your name does not go here. Imagine this to be the new book cover.

TITLE CARD: Creative name for project based on the novel title, English IV-AP, Date, Printed name, and Signature

TABLE OF CONTENTS: List each of the sections and to introduce each section or groups of sections depending on how you organize this. Overall you will include author’s importance, summary, theme, conflict/resolution, extended metaphor/controlling image/motif, epiphany, catharsis, tone, imagery, irony, sense of place, important quote, secondary critiques, and concluding reaction.

Each section is essentially its own. Begin with a clear thesis, commentary, and textual evidence for every section. Write intelligently, control your language, and be descriptive.

1. AUTHOR’S IMPORTANCE: Why does your author, and hence this book, hold a place of literary merit? 1-2 cards

2. SUMMARY: Brief overview – like what you would read on a book jacket but more detailed. 2-3 cards

3. THEME: Develop a theme for the novel. What is it? State it succinctly – exactly what is the message? How does the author manifest this theme throughout the novel? 1-2 cards

4. CONFLICT/RESOLUTION: In literature conflicts usually take the form of “something vs. something.” Choose the most important conflict in the novel, state the conflict in literary terms; discuss the nature of the conflict and its eventual resolution. How did it work out? What happened? 1-2 cards

5. EXTENDED METAPHOR/CONTROLLING IMAGE/MOTIF: Identify and explain. 1-2 cards

Check #1 ______

6. EPIPHANY: Which character has a sudden realization? Discover, identify, and discuss the epiphany in the novel. 1-2 cards

7. CATHARSIS: In every novel there is a spiritual cleansing. What is the major catharsis in the novel? 1-2 cards

8. TONE: This is usually subtle. You have to discover how the author looks at his subject and his characters. Identify the author’s attitude and discuss what you discover in an analytical manner. 1-2 cards

9. IMAGERY: Find five meaningful examples of imagery – one for each of the senses. 2-5 cards

Check #2 ______

10. SENSE OF PLACE: This is not just setting. Dig deeper than just where and when.1-2 cards

11. IMPORTANT QUOTE: Choose a quote that, for you, was particularly moving, important, or meaningful to the overall work. Discuss the quote in the context of the novel and in the context of your own life. The quote should be philosophical and should be understood in, and out of, context from the novel. 1-3 cards

12. SECONDARY CRITIQUES: How has the novel been received? Research at least 2 articles. Be sure to include MLA style documentation of your sources. 2-4 cards

13. CONCLUDING REACTION: This is all about process, not content. Discuss your personal journey with the novel. This is supposed to be a piece of “literary merit.” Why? How does it deserve that designation? Does it deserve that designation? Responses should be thoughtful and mature, not just syrup or venting. 2-3 cards

Check #3 ______

BACK CARD: Once again vertically, create a back cover for your Index Novel.