How to Read a Novel
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.
Read more
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.
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.
What's inside
Syllabus
Plot
Characterisation
Dialogue
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Syllabus
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Activities
Review Literary Devices
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Reviewing literary devices will prepare you to identify them in the works studied in this course
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Reviewing notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you prepare for the course
Show steps
-
Compile notes by subtopics
-
Review notes and identify gaps in understanding.
-
Complete practice problems
Review Modern Novels
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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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Expand your comprehension of plot development
Show steps
Following tutorials on building plot will aid you in understanding the material taught in class
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Working with a peer will allow you to exchange ideas about the characters chosen for the course and will deepen your understanding.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Building a world for your story will give you a solid foundation for plot and character development
Browse courses on
Setting
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Practice creates skill; practicing building plots will develop your ability to create stronger plots
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Dialogue is an important part of any novel. Getting practice will enable you to create believable and engaging dialogue
Browse courses on
Dialogue
Show steps
-
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.
Review Literary Devices
Show steps
Reviewing literary devices will prepare you to identify them in the works studied in this course
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Reviewing notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you prepare for the course
Show steps
- Compile notes by subtopics
- Review notes and identify gaps in understanding.
- Complete practice problems
Review Modern Novels
Show steps
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
Show steps
- 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.
Expand your comprehension of plot development
Show steps
Following tutorials on building plot will aid you in understanding the material taught in class
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Working with a peer will allow you to exchange ideas about the characters chosen for the course and will deepen your understanding.
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Building a world for your story will give you a solid foundation for plot and character development
Browse courses on
Setting
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Practice creates skill; practicing building plots will develop your ability to create stronger plots
Browse courses on
Plot
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Dialogue is an important part of any novel. Getting practice will enable you to create believable and engaging dialogue
Browse courses on
Dialogue
Show steps
- 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.
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