Your task here is to read two novels representing different countries
and cultures. Click on a country or continent to find writers representing
that country. Click on the names of the writers and you will find
interesting information about the authors as well as their writing,
which can help you to choose.
Take notes while you are reading the novel. By writing down vocabulary,
your thoughts and what you find interesting, it will be easier to
go back and refresh your memory later when you start writing the
book analysis. Retelling the story is not enough. Use quotations
and references from the books in your analysis.
Click on the English speaking parts of the world and some links
will appear.
Some questions to consider might help you while you are reading
and before starting to write your essay.
What ties the two books you read together?
What is the theme of the novel and what impact on the theme
does the culture of the author have? Are there likenesses or
differences between the books regarding those aspects?
In what way do the main characters reflect the society and culture
they live in.
What are the similarities and differences in the setting (geographical
environment and surroundings, historical time and sociological
conditions)?
Compare the structure and style of the novels. Is it narrative
in chronological order or told by means of flashbacks? Who tells
the story? The main character, some other character or an omniscient
narrator? Is the style realistic, poetic or symbolic? Is the
tone comic, ironic or romantic?
Do the novels express an ideology or message? Make a comparison
of the novels.
What is your evaluation? Did you like the novels? You may consider
emotional, ideological or aesthetic aspects.
If you cannot find these books in a local bookshop, go to the LINKS
section of the course, where you will find sources for mail-order
books (i. e. USA search, web search, US search engine)
2004 Nationellt centrum för flexibelt lärande Uppdaterad:
2006-04-20