Independent
Novel Project Activities: 100 points possible (Summative Assignment)
A. Literary
Comparison: Write a well-developed essay analyzing what your group’s novel
and one of the selections we read as a class have in common. Take a clear
position on the comparative qualities that the two texts seem to share, then
analyze specific textual examples from both pieces to develop your points. This essay should be TYPED, 250 words
minimum.
B. Literary
Critique: Through the lenses of one of the literary criticisms we’ve used
this year, critique your novel. Take a
clear position on the critical theory you intend to apply and why this fits
best for analysis of the novel. Then,
analyze specific textual examples from your reading book to develop your points,
making sure to use a variety of terms associated with that form of literary
criticism to drive your discussion. This
essay should be TYPED, 250 words minimum.
C. Novel Soundtrack: Soundtracks are
used to enhance the story being told. In movies, music reflects what is taking
place at any given point in the film. With that in mind, create a soundtrack
for your novel with a minimum of 5 songs (with or without lyrics) that reflect
various important plot elements, characterizations, emotional elements, etc. Submit
a CD with the music in the order that would reflect the sequence of the novel,
and a set of liner notes that explain where each song connects in the novel and
how each song connects to what is happening plot wise, character wise, theme
wise, etc. Credit each song in your notes with each artist who recorded the
song and the CD title from which it is taken.
D. Dramatic Monologues: Write 3
monologues for one character that would reflect your character’s feelings,
emotions, and thoughts about what is happening in the novel. Each monologue
must be at least a page in length and must be ORIGINAL, not just words taken
directly from the novel. Choose scenes that are central to the conflict and
that are spread throughout the novel (one from beginning, middle and end of the
novel)
E. Art Connection: Find 3 pieces of art
related to the novel or to themes that are present in the novel. Then, for each
piece of art, write a page of explanation in which you explore the connections
to the novel and how it displays the emotions, a character, a theme, idea, etc.
F. Poetry: Write 5 poems consisting of
at least 10 lines each that connect in some way to the novel. Each poem might
be a reflection of a theme, a character, an emotion, an issue, etc. The structure
of each is up to you, and each may be very different in structure and tone.
G. New Ending: Re-write the ending of
your novel by writing a new last chapter. The chapter should be a minimum of three
pages in length, and it should remain consistent with the original novel’s point-of-view
and tense. Just before the new ending, include a paragraph explaining how the
novel really ends, and explain what your new ending will change. Use narrative
similar to the style of the original. Do not just explain the new ending, but
write it in narrative, prose form true to the author’s style.
