When interpreting any literary work, it is vital to start from the very basis – the story. Without recounting at least the basic facts, you will not be able to discuss the deeper levels of the text, such as symbols, themes, style or tone. Since you do not want your presentation to be chaotic, it needs to be organized properly. The best way how to do it is to divide the presentation into several parts with each part focusing on some area of literary analysis. Remember, start with the easiest things (such as story or characters) and then you may develop the discussion and proceed further. Also, do not jump from one thing to another – your classmates will be confused. Good organization is one half of your success.
There are several ways how to deal with the plot in an effective way. Never retell the plot yourself or read a summary – no one will listen to you and it will bore your classmates to death! It is always good to visualize the things happening in the book to make them more memorable for the class. Here are few tips how to do it:
· In case there is a film adaptation of the book, you may select few crucial scenes and replay them in the class. To involve the others in this stage as well, after each scene you may ask them to comment on it or to share their opinions with you, etc.
· You may also draw simple pictures on separate sheets of paper and let the students order them in the chronological way and put them on the blackboard while commenting on the actions described. The drawings may also be used to discuss the characters’ personality traits (a caricature exaggerating the most dominant trait of the character may prove very useful).
Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
There are several ways how to deal with the plot in an effective way. Never retell the plot yourself or read a summary – no one will listen to you and it will bore your classmates to death! It is always good to visualize the things happening in the book to make them more memorable for the class. Here are few tips how to do it:
· In case there is a film adaptation of the book, you may select few crucial scenes and replay them in the class. To involve the others in this stage as well, after each scene you may ask them to comment on it or to share their opinions with you, etc.
· You may also draw simple pictures on separate sheets of paper and let the students order them in the chronological way and put them on the blackboard while commenting on the actions described. The drawings may also be used to discuss the characters’ personality traits (a caricature exaggerating the most dominant trait of the character may prove very useful).
Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
Thomas Hardy – Tess of the D’Urbervilles
· In case of comedies, for example, a cartoon / comic may be drawn in order to exaggerate certain personal traits of the characters or highlight the most entertaining scenes.
· A short dramatic piece may be prepared, with either you or your classmates performing the actions.
S.T. Coleridge – The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
REMEMBER: Even though it is YOUR presentation, it is your CLASSMATES who should be active during the seminar. Always involve them as much as possible and make them active.
· In case of comedies, for example, a cartoon / comic may be drawn in order to exaggerate certain personal traits of the characters or highlight the most entertaining scenes.
· A short dramatic piece may be prepared, with either you or your classmates performing the actions.
S.T. Coleridge – The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
REMEMBER: Even though it is YOUR presentation, it is your CLASSMATES who should be active during the seminar. Always involve them as much as possible and make them active.
