Active Reading: Previewing Novels (3)

Essays on the Teaching of English
Raymond Stopper
Based on His Book, Teaching English, How To….

Active Reading: Previewing Novels (3)

10-Second Review: An example of previewing a novel.

Here is an example of previewing. The novel was Henry James’s Washington Square.

1. Read for ten minutes in the beginning of the novel.

What we have learned: Long paragraphs and convoluted sentences. Dr. Sloper: snide comments; not much respect for women, except for his deceased wife; makes negative judgments about people. Catherine, Dr. Sloper’s daughter; “stolid, unresponsive.”

Questions: Does the plot center on Catherine? Dr. Sloper?

2. Read for ten minutes in the middle of the novel.

What we have learned: Dr. Sloper is aloof; observes life; curious how things will turn out; does not respect his daughter; cynic. Conflict between Dr. Sloper and Catherine’s suitor, Morris Townsend.

Questions: What is the relationship between Dr. Sloper and his daughter Catherine? Does Dr. Sloper manipulate the lives of others?

3. Read for ten minutes about ¾ through the novel.

What we have learned: Sloper tells his daughter he will disinherit her if she marries Townsend. Sloper manipulates the lives of people over whom he has power.

Questions: Does Sloper suspect Townsend of wanting Catherine’s money? What is Townsend’s character? How will the plot conclude? Will Sloper change his mind about Townsend? Will Catherine marry Townsend?

4. Read for ten minutes near the end of the novel.

What we have learned. Years later. Sloper is dead. Aunt Penniman and Catherine living together. No sign of Townsend. However, Mrs. Penniman meets Townsend and he wants to renew his relationship with Catherine. When he comes to call, Catherine says, “No,” and she means it. Townsend goes away. Reveals the hardness of his heart.

Final Questions: How did Townsend break with Catherine? Was it because she would be disinherited? Was Dr. Sloper’s judgment about Townsend accurate? To what extent did Dr. Sloper manipulate his daughter’s life? Why did Catherine decide never to marry? How does Catherine’s character change from the beginning to the end of the novel? How does the narrator’s role change in telling the story? What is the theme of the novel—if there is one? Why did James write this novel?

Note: As discussion continues, I added questions.