By now you know that a classic novel is much more than just a good story. Although novels are certainly fun to read, you know from the lessons in this module that authors put a lot of thought and work into what they create. In this module, you learned more about the tools that authors use to create a timeless piece of literature--one that people will want to read and study from one generation to the next.
Writers of good literature create believable characters, suspenseful plots, and meaningful settings. You learned how authors highlight themes that are important to everyone and incorporate symbols, simple objects or ideas that point to larger truths. In addition, you saw how writers use a certain point of view to tell a story, and you also explored how a character other than the narrator might change a story.
Before you take the module exam, review the key concepts that you learned in this module.
The Who and WhereOne of the best things about reading a novel for the first time is the opportunity to meet new people (as characters, of course) and learn about different places. Good writers make their characters come alive. In fact, you may feel like you know them well by the time you turn the last page, and you may even hate to say goodbye to them. Writers can also make you feel at home in a setting, and they can use that setting to reveal more about the characters and what they're going through.
An Exciting Story LineParents who read to their children soon discover that their kids want the same stories--their favorites--read to them over and over again. Obviously, there's something about a good story that makes us fall in love with it and want to hear it (or read it) more than once. Good writers incorporate the elements of plot into their stories, and they also build suspense by creating conflicts. The build-up and eventual release of suspense are what keeps us coming back for more!
A Matter of PerspectiveWriters carefully choose the point of view from which their stories are told. They must decide whose voice to use and how much readers should know about the main characters. When writers use one of the characters as the narrator, you learn a great deal about that person. But you can also learn something from looking at scenes through the eyes of other characters. Even though these other characters were not chosen by the author as the vehicle for telling the story, their perspective is still valuable.
Digging the DetailsIn addition to the basic elements required to tell a story, authors also incorporate other layers to help convey important messages. Two ways authors do this is by highlighting important themes and by creating symbols out of objects and ideas. While both themes and symbols may not be obvious to casual readers, they are well worth studying and understanding. By learning about these deeper layers of meaning, you learn more about the life-changing thoughts the author wants you to consider.
Getting the Most Out of ItWhile it's true that you can simply read a book and enjoy it immensely, this shallow approach may mean you miss many things. Some skills you can use while reading a novel more deeply include predicting what will happen, making inferences, drawing conclusions, and summarizing what you've read.
|
 |
Question
How are classic novels more than just interesting stories?
Answer
In addition to telling a compelling story, classic novels also present universal truths about life that stir readers' souls.
