How do you write a critique on a novel? Any advice would be helpful.?

Answer 1

You read it... a few times... and then give intelligent written takes on what you thought about it, how it moved you, changed you and how what you think relates to the rest of the world and how you feel that they should view it when reading it for good or bad, both or neither.

Critiques are meant to either tear down trash and expose it, or enlighten a generation to something fantasitc. They are powerful and can make or break a writer or an artist in one or two paragraphs. That is why writers care so much about what they have to say. A critique is a writers best friend or worst enemy.

I think more so in the past than now because writers have always run in different and specific, closed knit crowds and groups but for those in the know who do read literary critiques, they can be devistating~or shed light that makes them illuminated. Like the paparatzzi are to celebrities. One bad picture says it all and can undo even the most fantastic film! One good picture can create an unknown!

Answer 2

If you are writing a critique for a class you want to start off with your basic essay structure. Come up with a thesis then formulate your supporting arguments.

For critiquing a novel you want to look at What the author was trying to convey...what was the theme of the novel. did they get the message across? How well did they do it? What did they use to get thier message out there in the novel? Did they use these techniques well. Teachers love when you examine how authors used various literary techniques to illustrate the theme of the novel.

For example did they use similies and metaphors? How well developed are the characters? Do the characters have only one trait (steroetypical) or are they well rounded (three dimensional)? Is the plot clear and well developed?

You wouldnt necissarily have to talk about all these things in a critical essay but pick the ones you know the most about. Make sure you use examples from the book of what you are talking about. You cant just say they used metphors well you need to show where exactly they used it well.

Then you just some everything up in your conclusion and state your opinion on the effectiveness of the author onf conveying the central theme of the novel.

I hope this is what you were looking for!

Answer 3

Understand what the writers trying to do in writing the work in question...then you write about what s/he does well and why it is done well. Next, write about what isn't done very well, and why it's not done well to you. Tie it together with your opinion of how well the writer did in conveying the message s/he wanted to convey.