Blog Entries for Independent Reading Project

Blog Entries for Independent Reading Project

Directions: Below is a list of the blog entries you must complete over the course of the project. With the exception of the first/ last entry, you can do these in any order that makes sense for you, but you must do all of them. Each entry should help you when you go to write your short literary analysis essay.

1. Background Information--- This entry should include a paragraph with background on your book, a paragraph with background your author and a paragraph on why you chose your book.
2. Characterization & Point of View – Choose one or two of the questions below to answer in your blog. You entry should be at least one page long. Remember you should use at least two quotes to back up your ideas.
3. Choose a character and explain what motivates them or what they value? How does this motivation/ value play a role in the book?
4. Describe the dynamics between at least two characters (in marriage, family, or friendship).
5. How has the past shaped their lives?
6. What motivates different character’s actions? Do you think those actions are justified or ethical?
7. Do you find the characters convincing? Are they believable? Why or why not?
8. Are the characters fully developed as complex human beings? Explain how.
9. What is the point-of-view and what effect does it have on the story?
10. Why do you think the author chose a particular point of view and do you think it was a good choice?
11. What are the principle flaws of the main character? How do these flaws affect the story?
12. Is there a single viewpoint or shifting viewpoints?
13. What makes the protagonist sympathetic, or unsympathetic?
14. Why do certain characters act the way they act? Does she have an ax to grind, a political ideology, religious belief, or psychological disorder?

1. Setting – Choose one or two of the questions below to answer in your blog. You entry should be at least one page long. Remember you should use at least two quotes to back up your ideas.
2. What is the setting and what role does it play in the story?
3. How does the author establish the setting? Is their method effective?
4. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
5. How does the setting influence/ affect the characters or conflict?
6. Which aspects of the setting are the most influential to the story?
7. How is the setting of the book important to the theme?

1. Conflict/ Narrative Structure – Choose one or two of the questions below to answer in your blog. You entry should be at least one page long. Remember you should use at least two quotes to back up your ideas.
2. How did the author get you interested?
3. What internal conflicts does the protagonist face?
4. Is it engaging—do you find the story interesting? Why or why not?
5. Is this a plot-driven book—a fast-paced page-turner? Explain why/ how.
6. Does the plot unfold slowly with a focus on character? Explain how.
7. Were you surprised by complications, twists & turns? Why or why not? Give examples.
8. Did you find the plot predictable, even formulaic?
9. What difference does the structure make in the way you read or understand the book?
10. What was the turning point and climax of the story?
11. Are the plot and subplots believable and interesting? What loose ends, if any, did the author leave?
12. How is the book structured? Flashbacks? Multiple points of view? Why do you think the author chose to write the book this way?
13. How does the arrangement of the book help or detract from the ideas it contains?

1. Imagery & Figurative Language - Choose one or two of the questions below to answer in your blog. You entry should be at least one page long. Remember you should use at least two quotes to back up your ideas.
2. Were there any descriptions that captivated you? What were they and why did they get your attention?
3. Can you pick out a passage that strikes you as particularly profound or interesting? Why did you choose this passage?
4. Give a few examples of imagery in the book and explain the effect they have on the story.
5. Give some examples of figurative language and explain the effect they have on the story.
6. What patterns are evident in the images (for instance, religious or commercial images)?
7. What is the significance of the imagery?

1. Symbolism &Theme - Choose one or two of the questions below to answer in your blog. You entry should be at least one page long. Remember you should use at least two quotes to back up your ideas.
2. What types of symbolism do you find in this novel? What do these objects really represent? How do characters react to and with these symbolic objects?
3. What symbols does the author use? What do they seem to signify?
4. How does the symbolism relate to the other elements of the work, such as character or theme?
5. What is one theme of the book? Explain how the author conveys this theme.
6. What are the major themes and are the major themes in the story relevant to your life?
7. Do you agree with the author’s message (theme) why or why not?
8. In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?

1. Review/ Reaction to the Book—Make sure you are specific and use examples from the book to back up your opinions.

• Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
• Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?
• Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
• How does this book compare to other books you've read? Would it make a good movie? Why or why not?