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Some suggested writing subjects for the Modern British Novel and British Literature appear below. Remember: these are subjects not topics, which are more narrowly defined arguments; a subject represents a broad idea, while a topic narrows down to a specific within the broader idea. In other words, always let the particular (the topic) stand for the whole (the subject). Find something specific within one of these suggested ideas, or choose your own. [more works and suggested ideas to come] The Time Machine: The symbiotic relationship between the Morlochs and Eloi The absence of names The effectiveness of the plot structure (frame, a narrative of the past, etc.) What is the “romance” in this Science Romance? Does the novel use parody, satire, or irony? What is the relevance? The promises of when the book was written with the expectations it presents for the future Is there a preconceived notion in the novel of how the world should appear in the future? Why is that a major thematic idea?
Consider the physical characteristics of the two groups of people in the future;
why are they important, or what does it say
Consider
the importance of the voice of the unnamed narrator; what does he reveal in his
thoughts by relating all this to a How does the physical landscape mirror the social? Brave New World The prevalence of Shakespeare or Shakespearean echoes (for instance, why is Othello prominently mentioned?) The Relevance of John wishing for tears and sadness A satire of romance The irony of sex as a substitute for religion The culture of narcissism Bernard and John are both discontented with their situations and life; but how do they differ and what is the relevance? Focus on the significance of the confrontation between John and Mond How is the assembly line of Henry Ford relevant as a metaphor for the novel? Who is really the rebel and who the conformist in the book? The importance of segregation, hatred, and isolation of “types” of people Animal Farm The effectiveness of personification and what it relates to the reader A particular parody that is less obvious but relevant to the novel The songs Is the novel satire or parody; why? Who is the greater tyrant: Jones or Napoleon and why? What ironies exist in giving the animals human characteristics? How is language important in the novel? Choose a speech or two and discuss its rhetorical effectiveness, deceptions, etc.
If a theme organizes principles in a work, choose a theme and its effectiveness
in the novel (for instance, is solidarity a theme? Lord of the Flies The reversion to tribalism The boys as “types” Social roles The relevance of the title and its suggestiveness The paradise of the setting with the reality of the life Symbolism The question of evil—is it endemic to humanity? How so in children? The effects of a group as opposed to individuals The power of speech, the conch Acting out or imitating rituals How important is speech and the group meetings? The novel as fable: compare to Animal Farm Compare Ralph and Jack as types of humanity Compare the function of Jack, Ralph, Simon, and/or Piggy Frankenstein: Ice and snow Frankenstein's self-recognition The importance of the cottage scene Henry Clerval's role in the novel The absence of making his creature and its importance If Victor is a "modern Prometheus," what does he give to humanity? or is he merely Prometheus "Plasticator"? Compare the Prometheus myth with that of Milton's Paradise Lost: what thematic idea holds these two together? What relevance exists in the idea of
the "father / son" relationship in the novel, which exists in conflict until the
final death What deeper reasons may there be for the monster's killing those whom Victor loves other than revenge? "The Dead": If the primary thematic idea of the
short story lies in death and dying, explain another minor motif in the work
that emphasizes What relationship do Gabriel and
Gretta have, and why is that idea important to the story? Is there a
scene(s) that defines that If short stories emphasize one,
particular effect, how would you describe the main thematic idea of the work in
relation to a In a general sense, what William
Wordsworth called "Spots of Time," Virginia Woolf called "Moments of Being,"
Joyce referred When Gretta listens to the "Lass of
Aughrim," she appears to Gabriel "as if she were a symbol of something": what
could that Besides the impact the dead have upon the living, does the story imply that the living have a responsibility to the dead? Consider the narrator's "voice" in
the story: why does that unseen speaker focus on Gabriel? what is the
purpose and what The Screwtape Letters: How important is "point of view" to the novel and what function does it serve? Does Screwtape win souls through faith in evil? How does that appeal work? The dialogue from Screwtape and to Wormwood takes place in letters: why the epistolary form for the book? what is gained? What is the relevance in associating Hell with bureaucracy? If the demons work confusion and use
ignorance against humanity, what does that say about Wormwood? How smart
is evil Choose a tactic that Screwtape recommends for tempting people to evil: explain why and how it works.
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