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How to Read a Novel

Benjamin Bateman

4.6

Based on 17 ratings

, see reviews

Benjamin Bateman

What makes a great novel? How is a novel woven together? How can we best appreciate works of fiction?

Answer these questions and more with this course from The University of Edinburgh.

On the course you’ll discover four of the main building blocks of modern fiction: plot, characterisation, dialogue, and setting using examples from a range of texts including the four novels shortlisted for the 2024 James Tait Black fiction prize. You’ll also explore the formal strategies authors use, how they came to be, and how they affect us as readers.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Plot

Characterisation

Dialogue

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers essential elements of fiction and how they impact readers' understanding

Prior knowledge of fiction analysis techniques is recommended

Examples from shortlisted James Tait Black fiction prize novels provide relevant and current insights

Instructors Benjamin Bateman are recognized for their expertise in modern fiction

Suitable for learners interested in developing their understanding and appreciation of fiction

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Reviews summary

Unlocking novel reading appreciation

According to students, this course offers an incredibly insightful and well-structured approach to understanding the novel. Learners consistently praise the instructor's passion and clarity, which helps demystify literary concepts like plot, characterisation, dialogue, and setting. The use of current, well-chosen examples, including those from the James Tait Black fiction prize, is a significant positive. While many find it enhances their reading experience profoundly, some more experienced readers note it might be too introductory for those with advanced literary backgrounds. Overall, it's highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of fiction.

Ideal for general readers; may be too basic for advanced literary students.

"While it's great for broadening appreciation, I felt it could have gone a bit deeper for someone with some prior literary studies."

"Honestly, I found this course too superficial. As someone with an English literature degree, I didn't learn much new."

"Still, highly recommend for casual readers."

"It feels designed for absolute beginners."

Concepts are broken down effectively, and the course structure is logical.

"The breakdown of plot, character, dialogue, and setting using current examples... was incredibly insightful."

"The structure is logical, building from basic elements to a richer understanding."

"A very solid introduction to literary analysis. I particularly enjoyed the modules on characterisation and dialogue."

Instructor praised for expertise, passion, and clear explanations.

"The instructor's passion for literature was infectious, and I found myself looking at novels in a completely new way."

"The professor explains complex ideas clearly, and the chosen examples are perfect."

"A beautifully crafted course! The instructor is fantastic – articulate, engaging, and clearly an expert."

Course significantly enhances how learners appreciate and engage with novels.

"It truly enhanced my reading experience."

"I now pay so much more attention to the craft!"

"This course really 'opened' novels for me."

"Enjoyed the course and the way it made me think about novels differently."

Some lectures felt slow; the course leans more theoretical than practical.

"The content was interesting, but I found some of the lectures a bit slow."

"I was hoping for more practical tips on *how* to actively read, beyond just understanding the components."

"Good for theory, less for direct application."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Read a Novel with these activities:

Review Literary Devices

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Reviewing literary devices will prepare you to identify them in the works studied in this course

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Review notes from a previous literature course.
Read articles or blog posts about common literary devices.
Take a practice quiz on literary devices.

Compile review notes

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Reviewing notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you prepare for the course

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Compile notes by subtopics
Review notes and identify gaps in understanding.
Complete practice problems

Review Modern Novels

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Reading modern novels will provide you with insights into the form and function of this genre of literature

View The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel on Amazon

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Select a modern novel to read.
Read the novel, taking notes on elements like character development, plot development, and setting.
Write a short review of the novel, discussing your thoughts on these elements.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Expand your comprehension of plot development

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Following tutorials on building plot will aid you in understanding the material taught in class

Browse courses on Plot

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Find step by step tutorials online at sites like Skillshare or Udemy.
Watch and take notes on how to create a storyboard.
Apply your new knowledge to one of the books in the reading list.

Character Analysis Collaborative

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Working with a peer will allow you to exchange ideas about the characters chosen for the course and will deepen your understanding.

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Connect with a classmate
Select one of the James Tait Black nominated books to read.
Meet for one to two hours each week to discuss the characters.

Build a World

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Building a world for your story will give you a solid foundation for plot and character development

Browse courses on Setting

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Find inspiration for your world in media you consume or from the world around you.
Map out the physical, social, and political aspects of your world.
Create a presentation or document summarizing your world.

Practice Building Plot

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Practice creates skill; practicing building plots will develop your ability to create stronger plots

Browse courses on Plot

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Brainstorm story ideas.
Create a plot outline for each idea.
Write a short story based on your favorite plot outline.

Develop a Dialogue-Driven Scene

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Dialogue is an important part of any novel. Getting practice will enable you to create believable and engaging dialogue

Browse courses on Dialogue

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Brainstorm two characters with contrasting personalities.
Write a scene in which these characters have a conversation on a topic of your choice.
Read your scene aloud and listen for natural-sounding dialogue.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Read a Novel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Read a Novel.

The Norton Anthology of English Literature

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This comprehensive anthology provides a broad overview of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day, including works of fiction, poetry, drama, and essays. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying English literature.

How to Read a Novel

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Unlocking novel reading appreciation

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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