Response to Literature Essay - Novel Critique
Introductory Paragraph
Identify the book by author, title, and genre. Briefly review the story line for readers, being careful not to give away anything that would lessen the suspense for readers. Include a thesis statement that states a critical position on one aspect of the novel (character development, writing style, theme(s), plot development, or setting).
Body of the Critique (2 – 4 paragraphs)
Choose one of the following topics to develop into two to four. If you have an idea for a critical position topic not listed here, discuss it with Ms. Smith.
Characters - Were they interesting and believable? Did you have a favorite? Why was this character special to you? Did the author do a good job of creating the characters in this novel? Does the writer make you believe in them as people? Why or why not? Think about whether you like the characters and about how liking them or disliking them makes you feel about the book. As you write about the characters, use examples of things they've said or done to give a sense of their personalities.
Writing Style - Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful? What is the author's/narrator's "voice" like? Describe the author’s writing style and give an example or two that typify the author’s approach to word choice and sentence fluency.
Theme- What is/are the major theme(s)? Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original? How are they revealed and developed? Themes
Plot- How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled? Was the author able to hold your interest throughout the entire novel? How did he or she manage to do this? Readers want to know enough about what happens in a book to know whether they'll find it interesting. But they never want to know the ending! Summarize the plot in a way that will answer some questions about the book, but leave other questions in the reader's mind.
Setting - What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work? Is a sense of atmosphere created, and how? What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? Does the author make you feel like you're a part of the setting? Can you picture the book's setting if you close your eyes? As you write, try to pass on to your reader the sense of the setting and place that the author has provided.
Conclusion
In your conclusion, leave the reader with a memorable final point or a strong impression of your critical position. Include a quotation, a fresh insight, or another memorable impression.