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Analysing literature

Module 4

Theme Focus on the theme. Examples: hatred, revenge, love, hope,

friendship, etc. The message or central topic of a story. How is the theme presented? How is it dealt

with throughout the story? Are there differences in the film and the novel when it comes to the theme?

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Literary terms When focusing on the theme, you might want

to connect it to other aspects of the novel/film: Setting Characters Plot Metaphors and symbols Narrator

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Setting When?

Present, past or future How do we know?

Where? The place One or several? How do we know?

Are these things relevant to the theme?

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Characters Protagonist – main character Antagonist – an important character that

opposes the main character. Appearance and personalities. Can you connect it to the theme?

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Plot What the story is about. The main events. Can you see a connection to the theme?

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Metaphors and symbols Metaphors – a way of describing something by

comparing it to something else:“The city is a jungle.”

Symbols - when an object is meant to represent something or an idea greater than the object itself. Cross - representative of Christ or Christianity Owl - wisdom or knowledge Yellow - implies cowardice or rot

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Narrator The “person” telling the story. Could be a character in the novel or someone

from the outside. First, second or third person narrator. Omniscient narrator – all-knowing

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Assessment task 4 Oral presentation of about 5 minutes (could

be longer). Compare the theme in the novel and the film.

How is the theme presented? What are their views on the theme? What similarities and differences can you see with

regards to the theme?

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Oral presentations Stick to the topic. Clear structure: introduction, middle, and a

good ending. Use notes – do not read from a script. Eye contact and body language. Advice on talks and presentations: p. 108-109

in PGA