Studying the Novel (Studying...Series)

by JeremyHawthorn (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2010

  $3.78

  Studying the Novel is a best-selling introductory guide to the novel, short story and novella covering all the essential concepts and approaches for students of English, either on short courses or at degree level. It is widely-acclaimed for its erudite yet accessible style and judicious selection of literary extracts. The book begins with an introduction to the history and structure of the novel and then moves on to define the novel's essential components. The history and development of the novel is examined and concludes with a discussion of its continued relevancy today. Separate chapters cover the short story and the novella in order to give adequate coverage to these popular forms. The theoretical approaches of 'realism', 'modernism' and 'postmodernism' are outlined with reference to popular works to demonstrate how theory can be applied. Cyberfiction and interactive/collaborative fiction are explored followed by a chapter on analysing fiction - here the standard components of the novel are covered: narrative technique; character; plot; structure; setting; theme; symbol and image and speech and dialogue. Critical approaches and screen adaptations are also looked at. Practical advice is included throughout but one chapter entirely is devoted to how to take notes, what to note, using critics, using the internet and how to tackle essays and exams effectively. New to this edition is the inclusion of more contemporary fiction, such as Jeanette Winterson. Semi-fictional/factional work, such as holocaust writing is analysed and new developments in narrative theory have been added. A timeline of novels offers an at-a-glance overview of the historical development of literature.

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.24

  How do literary critics distinguish between 'story' and 'plot', between a symbol and an image, or between 'tone' and 'mood'? How do we define 'realism', 'modernism', and 'postmodernism'? What do narrative theorists mean by 'frequency' and 'distance'? In the revised, expanded and updated fifth edition of this standard introduction to the novel, these questions and many others are answered in a way that is readable and entertaining without being simplistic. Two new chapters which deal with fiction and the electronic media, and film adaptations of fictional works, are added. Discussion of cyberfiction has been included, the treatment of the novella has been expanded, and more tips on writing essays and answering exam questions are provided. Widely acclaimed for its erudite yet accessible explanations, Studying the Novel is an invaluable guide to the essential concepts and approaches for all students of the novel. It assumes no previous academic study of the subject.