Independent Novel Study

ASSIGNMENT 2: Reflective Journal - A Literary Analysis

  Learning Target(s):

  • Think critically, creatively and reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts.
  • Construct meaningful personal connections between self, text and world.
  • Evaluate how text structures, literary elements, techniques, and devices enhance and shape meaning and impact.

Reflective Journal - A Literary Analysis

Once you have completed reading your novel, write your reaction to it.  Develop your own literary analysis. 

You will be required to write 5 PARAGRAPHS (Outlined below).  For each topic area you will display your understanding of the topic for your novel.  You can approach the topic in various ways.  Did you see yourself in the book?  Did you have an insight into why things are the way they are?  What did you learn that you didn't know before?  What bearing does this novel have on the world today?  And on you?  How do the literary elements contribute to your understanding? In other words, is this a worthwhile read for Grade 11 students?  Be sure you are crystal clear on the why in this response. Consider the purpose of the novel?  That is, what is it that the writer wanted us to think about or understand and connect to after reading the book and how did the author communicate the purpose?

Five Areas of Analysis and Reflection

  1. Plot, setting, characters, point of view
  2. Theme and other abstract ideas like mood and tone or irony to enhance the meaning of the work
  3. Style – use of syntax, diction, language, organization, structure 
  4. Personal relevance - show areas of growth and learning
  5. Literary analysis - making connections, synthesizing

You will be graded on your LITERARY ANALYSIS AND YOUR PERSONAL REFLECTION.   You should not be on the internet for this assignment. 

Feel free to discuss any aspect of your novel you find interesting.  However, if you aren't sure, then these questions will give you some ideas.  

Assignment 2:  Reflective Journal Questions

  • These questions are NOT meant to be answered as a set of questions; rather, they are to be used as prompts for reflection. 
  • You are NOT required to answer all the questions. 
  • It is NOT necessary to research information. 
  • You are welcome to write poetry and compose song lyrics as part of your work.  You can find a review of the novel and agree or disagree.   Cite your source. 

Finally, a really comprehensive  literary analysis will require some effort.  Therefore, keep in mind word count.  Here are some approximations. 50% - 60%: 1200 words;  61% - 72%: 1600 words;  73% - 85%: 2000 words;  86% - 100%: 2400+ words

Some General Instructions

  1. Don’t write general entries (Heart of Darkness was an exciting story that I recommend to everyone.  I really enjoyed it.)  Don’t feel required to compliment the author.  This is called editorializing.
  2. List the following:  Title of work (underlined); author; date it was written and/or published. 
  3. Provide a biography on the author.  Give some background information on the events in the novel, if necessary.  This is one of the only places to do some research.  Cite your sources.  Comment on how the writer's life experiences are reflected in the novel.
  4. Don’t summarize the plot in length (50 words or fewer).

Response Journal Criteria:

Learning Target(s) - Exemplary (6/6):  Final product communicates a comprehensive literary analysis. Student demonstrates rich understanding of theme, style, setting, characters, and point of view.  This understanding results from thorough analysis of texts, language, and author's intent.  Discussion reflects an original and thoughtful connection to the work.  There is exemplary understanding of literary devices and how they are used to enhance the meaning of the work. Should be 2400+ words.

Ideas/Content - Exemplary (6/6): Exemplary development of ideas.  Content and organization are clear, concise and true.  Accomplishes the purpose with originality, individuality, maturity, and sophistication.

Reflection and Insight - Exemplary (6/6):  Complex connections and original ideas are included in a thoughtful response that includes specific examples of the student’s learning process and growth.

Conventions/Sentence Fluency - Exemplary (6/6):  Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written (or spoken), and carefully chosen.  Composition shows maturity in vocabulary, structure, and organization. Reflection on the quality of writing is evident, resulting in few or no errors.

Submission

Click on the "2.2 ASSIGNMENT:  Reflective Journal" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher.