English/Schwartz

Lord of the Flies Novel Bank Instructions

Throughout our reading of Lord of the Flies, you will keep a reading log called a “Novel Bank.”  You can deposit all sorts of information into this novel bank.  You will record information about what happens in the story, who the characters are and what we learn about them, and information about symbols, the language and literary devices used, as well as the theme of the story.  Below are the instructions for each column in your novel bank.  Remember, throughout your novel bank it is an excellent idea to note the page number of the event, quotation, symbol, etc. that you are entering information about.  This will help you on tests, classwork, and writing assignments.

Ch#: Note for which chapter you are making an entry.  Below the lowest point on your log for each chapter, draw a straight line horizontally across the novel bank.

Plot: Take notes on what happens in the story.  Look for key events, conversations, and developments in terms of what’s happening in the story.

Characterization: This is a place to keep track of the characters and their names as we meet them.  It is ALSO a place to trace the development of the characters, so take notes here on what we continue to learn about the characters (what traits do they have, how do they change, etc.) as we go through the story. 

Symbols: Record objects, places, events, or people that you think might be symbols.  Add notes explaining what you think the symbol might represent.  Track the development of certain key symbols through the novel.

Interesting Words: Write down exact quotations that stand out to you.  Perhaps they are used to describe a person, place, or object and you think it is an important description.  Perhaps there seems to be an important statement that relates to the theme.  Perhaps a word is used that has a certain connotation that interests you; if you write down a single word, you should include a note about why it caught your attention.  But ALSO include examples of figurative language that you find when reading (similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration, repetition, onomatopoeia, allusion, imagery, etc.)  Be sure to write down quotations exactly!  DO NOT write down words with which you are unfamiliar; this is NOT a vocabulary-style exercise!  It is a study in meaning and style.

Theme: Reflect on what you think the theme is.  Develop your understanding of the theme throughout the story.  You might see a same theme developing in a new chapter, and that’s okay; just explain how it’s developed, what direction it’s gone in, or why you think it’s appearing here.