What are some effective ways to take notes on a novel for a literature class?
One way to take notes on a novel for a literature class is to focus on the setting. Describe the different settings in the novel, how they contribute to the mood, and how they affect the characters. For example, if the novel is set in a dark and gloomy castle, note how this might create a sense of mystery or danger. You can also compare and contrast different settings within the novel. Another aspect to note is the narrative voice. Is it first - person, third - person limited, or third - person omniscient? Write down how the narrative voice influences the way the story is told and what information we as readers get from it. These notes will be very helpful when analyzing the novel in class.
For a literature class, you could start by making a timeline of the events in the novel. This helps you keep track of the story's progression. Just list the major events and the corresponding chapters or page numbers. Another way is to write down quotes that you think are important or that could be used for analysis in your class discussions or essays.