Novel techniques

I think the strategies in teaching novels depends on the novels being taught. If the novel is strong in figuative and style like Their Eyes were Watching God or House on Mango Street, one needs to focus on those aspects. When the strong elements are introduced, they must be reinforced with how it enhances the presentatin of the novel. What doe sthe novel gain from this? Discussion is importatnn when dealing with syle. Studetns tend to have a bit of difficulty understanding style and allowing themselves to be taken away from the plot. In the novels I teach I try to focus more on the themes of the novels and the ideas being presented rather than plots. Sophomores in high school are still worried about plot. I try to address their questions about what is hapening but at the same time try to identify what idea is being present according to this plot. WHne the novel is heavy with themes and symbols like a Lord of the Flies or a Mockingbird, these symblos and themes need to be placed in the students' world. Novels and not isolated int their pages; they are instructions at times just waiting to be followed. I atempt to lead the studetns to this reallization. We do this through discussin, listening, and application.