The Easiest and Practical Way of Summarize A Novel

[SarahSAU]

Hello all,

I would like to know the easiest way of read a novel of 35 chapters and get the main ideas of it so quickly. For example, I study " Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens and I have to prepare the 10th chapter at the next class. However I have no enough time to read all these chapters in just two days because English Language is my second Language so I will not understand the whole novel and its main ideas from just one reading! :(

I appreciate your help.:)

[johann cruyff]

Well,this is probably not what you want to hear,but I'd say that the best(the only) starting point for analyzing/summarizing/presenting a novel is - completing it first.Sure,you can prepare well and be very convincing even if you haven't opened the book(I've done it quite a few times myself),but in the end,it's just not right.

However,since you're running on such a tight schedule,at least read the chapter you're expected to talk about,while previously informing yourself about the plot details up to that point,characters,recurring ideas etc. etc. Use internet,other books on that writer/book if you have any,anything that can provide you with useful information.

And yes,Dickens was a pain to read for me too,but do read the book later though.;)

[Nighteyes5678]

Besides actually reading the entire book, I would suggest reading the chapter you have to talk on, then heading over to a book review site to get some general information on it. Try spark notes.

[Scheherazade]

http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/classics.shtml

[tractatus]

http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/classics.shtml

:) :thumbs_up