Welcome to Absolutely Normal Chaos Blog group!

In this group you will post responses that deal with your current reading section; consequently, the reading section deadlines will be negotiated with your group and with Mr. Kaplan.

For each reading sections you will be assigned or choose a device which will act as the focus for your blog. The devices and what questions you should answer for each are listed below. You may also want to include a short summary and your reflections of the novel.


Character

1. From what sources are the characters drawn?
2. What is the author's attitude toward his characters?
3. Are the characters flat or three dimensional?
4. Does character development occur?
5. Is character delineation direct or indirect?

Theme
1. What is/are the major theme(s)?
2. How are they revealed and developed?
3. Is the theme traditional and familiar, or new and original?
4. Is the theme didactic, psychological, social, entertaining, escapist, etc. in purpose or intent?

Plot
1. How are the various elements of plot (eg, introduction, suspense, climax, conclusion) handled?
2. What is the relationship of plot to character delineation?
3. To what extent, and how, is accident employed as a complicating and/or resolving force?
4. What are the elements of mystery and suspense?
5. What other devices of plot complication and resolution are employed?
6. Is there a sub-plot and how is it related to the main plot?
7. Is the plot primary or secondary to some of the other essential elements of the story (character, setting, style, etc.)?

Style
1. What are the "intellectual qualities" of the writing (e.g., simplicity, clarity)?
2. What are the "emotional qualities" of the writing (e.g., humour, wit, satire)?
3. What are the "aesthetic qualities" of the writing (e.g., harmony, rhythm)?
4. What stylistic devices are employed (e.g., symbolism, motifs, parody, allegory)?
5. How effective is dialogue?

Setting
1. What is the setting and does it play a significant role in the work?
2. Is a sense of atmosphere evoked, and how?
3. What scenic effects are used and how important and effective are they? Does the setting influence or impinge on the characters and/or plot?

For your blogs you can focus on a quick summary of the theme you wish to discuss.