Assignments

(a) Define each of the following. (Look for the definitions in the text.)

1. narrative. 2. theme. 3. plot. 4. characterization. 5. climax. 6. character.

(b) Match the following words with their definitions.

setting conflict sequence dénouement portrayal

the order in which things or events are arranged representation through the use of words final stage, where everything is made clear, in the development of the plot of a story, play, etc the physical and social background against which the characters live and the action (or plot) takes place the clash of opposing ideas, interests, etc

(c) Quickly look through the list and mark the lettered phrase nearest in meaning to the word or phrase tested.

1. Handle: (i) hand; (ii) use; (iii) misuse.

2. Imaginary: (i) real; (ii) unreal; (iii) carefully arranged.

3. Make up: (i) use cosmetics; (ii) take up; (iii) comprise.

4. Believable: (i) that can be believed; (ii) believing; (iii) impossible to believe.

5. Take place: (i) take part; (ii) happen; (iii) plan carefully.

6. Move: (i) excite strong feelings; (ii) change one's place of residence; (iii) progress.

(d) Choose the answer that expresses most accurately What is stated in the passage. Only one answer is correct.

"In most novels, the theme is not stated in so many words, but if the author has handled his materials well, the reader is in no doubt as to what the novel must tell him" means: (i) the theme is usually stated in so many words that, even if the author has handled his materials well, the reader is not at all sure what the novel is about; (ii) the theme is mostly expressed in so few words that though the author has used his materials expertly, the reader is not sure whether he got the message of the novel, or not; (iii) the theme is often only suggested (indicated indirectly), but if the author has made proper use of his materials, the reader is sure to get the message of the novel.

(e) Briefly state the essential elements of the novel. Discuss the importance of each of the elements. Say which element Maugham believed all-important, and why.

(f) The message may be presented in two ways: by description and by suggestion. Say which method the author believes to be the more effective, and why. Express your own opinion.

(g) Sum up (orally, or in writing) what the text has to say on each of the following points.

1. The structure of a novel. 2. The importance of the plot in a novel. 3. The role of the characters in a novel, and the methods of character portrayal used by novelists. 4. Making the novel believable.

(h) Briefly state the theme of each of the following novels.^* Say to which type of novel you believe each of the books belongs. Give your reasons.

1. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. 2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. 3. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. 4. The Iron Heel by Jack London. 5. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. 6. The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas. 7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. 8. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. 9. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. 10. The Nest of the Gentry by Ivan Turgenev. 11. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. 12. Quiet Flows the Don by Mikhail Sholokhov.