Holcombe/Marsh 2015
Contemporary Novel Project: The Namesake
For this quarter project, you will read The Namesake, a contemporary novel about
the struggles of maintaining one’s culture and discovering one’s identity. While reading
the novel, consider the various literary elements and techniques as described in detail
below.
As you are aware, the nature of the AP exam is such that while you cannot know
exactly what will be on the test, you can practice by applying literary analyses to a variety
of works. As a result, being well-read is extremely beneficial – both for this course and for
your future collegiate endeavors. The purpose of this assignment is to expose you to a
contemporary work that we wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to study in class. The
hope is that you will both benefit from and enjoy the opportunity to read and study a
contemporary novel on your own.
Due Dates:
 Read The Namesake in accordance with the chunked deadlines provided for you in
class.
o Half of novel read by: September 25th/28th*
o Suggested completed novel due: October 16th
o Final project submitted in its entirety via turnitin.com: November 5th/6th
 This assignment will NOT be accepted late. If you are absent, you should still
make plans to turn it in remotely. Remember: You received this assignment the
first week of school. No excuses.
*Expect a quiz any date after this point.
Formatting Directions:
 All answers in your final product should be typed in Times New Roman font, size
12, with the standard 1 inch margins on each side.
 Label all categories appropriately. Single space each item of a category, and
double space between them.
 Though you may complete this project in any order you choose, your answers
need to be in the order of the directions provided.
 There should be a header on each page with your last name and a page number.
 A title page should be included with your name, the title and author of your novel,
and the date and period of your class.
Grading
This quarter-long project will count as your quarter exam grade. You are being
given this assignment in the first week of school so that you can be confident and have
plenty of time to create a quality product. This is an opportunity to plan your exam
grade, which may be especially helpful for students who have found adjusting to the
expectations of a college level course challenging.
Marsh/Holcombe 2015
Components of Analysis
Directions: Complete the following for your contemporary novel.
I. Plot and Structure
a. Write a couple sentences about each of the following parts of the structure of your
story: Exposition, Complication, Crisis, Climax, Resolution
b. In TWO paragraphs discuss the significance of the structure of the story, considering
its arrangement and purpose and analyze this importance in relationship to the
conflict and its developments. DO NOT SIMPLY RETELL THE STORY. Analyze. Use at
least TWO quotations from the book to support your ideas. (For example: the
significance of chronological order vs. beginning in medias res; the use of flashbacks
as a primary literary device; the use of multiple narrators; etc.)
II. Characterization
a. Give a different (a.) character trait, (b.) a quotation, and (c.) an 3-sentenceminimum explanation for EACH of the following ways a character is developed:
1. Character’s action
2. Character’s appearance
3. Character’s thoughts
4. Character’s words
5. Statements/thoughts of another character about the protagonist
6. Statements of the author as storyteller or observer
b. Discuss a flat or static minor character who played a major role in the story. Cite 4
passages from the novel to describe this character. What was this character’s role
and why was it significant?
III. Point of View
a. Discuss what point of view (or points of view) was used in the novel: first person,
second person, third person omniscient, limited third person, etc. Why did the
author choose that point of view? Cite from the novel to support your ideas.
This should be at least a well-developed paragraph.
IV. Setting
Discuss the following purposes/functions of setting in relationship to your novel. Cite
(quote) 2 examples from the text to support your ideas. NOTE: ONLY DISCUSS 3 OF
THE 7.
a. Setting and Character
b. Setting AS a character
c. Setting and symbols
d. Setting and atmosphere
e. Setting and Irony
f. Contrasting settings
Holcombe/Marsh 2015
V. Style
a. As you read the novel, look for examples of the following literary elements. Number
each literary device and label with
(a) the literary element;
(b) the quotation as the example and page number; and
(c) an explanation of how this example enhances the plot, theme, character
development, etc.
Do any ten.
analogy
euphemism
metaphor
hyperbole
parallelism
oxymoron
connotation
atmosphere/mood
personification
aphorism
extended metaphor
simile
metonym
satire
understatement
pedantic
allusion
synecdoche
colloquialism
homily
paradox
syllogism
ambiguity
repetition
inference
alliteration
didactic
imagery
conceit
apostrophe
invective
VI. Diction
Explain your take on the author’s overall use of diction in your novel. Write a
substantial paragraph in which you analyze the word choice. You may wish to select a
particular passage to use as your example. Below are some elements of diction that you
may wish to include in your discussion:
 formal/high, neutral/middle, informal/low
 specific vs. general
 concrete vs. abstract
 denotation vs. connotation
VII. Symbolism
Discuss one potential symbol from your novel. In addition to your initial explanation, cite
three quotes that illustrate the symbol, followed by 2-3 sentences that explain the symbolism
and its significance.
VIII. Idea and Theme
Discuss two main ideas/themes in the novel. Discuss how/where you discovered the
idea/theme: direct statements by the authorial voice, direct statements by the firstperson speaker, dramatic statements made by characters, figurative language, characters
who stand for ideas, the work itself as it represents ideas.
 You should have one paragraph for each idea/theme. Each paragraph should
include at least two quotes that exemplify this theme. Each quote should be
followed by two-three sentences of specific analysis about those quotes.
Marsh/Holcombe 2015