ENG1501
Assignment 3
Due 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: REFLECTION (15 marks)
Before beginning this module, I had read a few novels but did not do so regularly. One
novel that had a lasting impression on me was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I
was particularly drawn to the vivid portrayal of pre-colonial Nigerian life and how Achebe
used aspects of Igbo tradition and culture to explore themes of transformation, personal
identity, and cultural loss. I found the main character, Okonkwo, compelling because of
his flaws and internal struggles, which made him feel authentic and relatable.
In contrast, I had a hard time engaging with Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
The old-fashioned language and slow pace made it difficult for me to stay focused, and I
struggled to connect with the narrative. Its length and literary style were the primary
reasons why I found it less enjoyable.
Unit 4 of this module significantly enhanced my understanding of how to interpret and
examine novels. The explanations on analysing themes and character development
were especially helpful. I learned how authors use narrative voice and literary
techniques to build emotionally complex characters and explore central ideas such as
love, loss, and personal growth. For example, the section on understanding the
narrator’s viewpoint allowed me to better appreciate the emotional layers in Small
Things.
However, I did find it challenging to grasp the concept of stream-of-consciousness
writing. It was difficult to tell apart the character’s memories, current thoughts, and
philosophical reflections.
Reading Small Things was a challenging yet meaningful experience. Initially, I struggled
with its poetic and abstract writing style, but as I progressed, I grew accustomed to the
introspective tone and began to appreciate its depth. I would describe the novel as
moderately difficult, mainly because of the reflective nature of the prose. The themes of
longing and emotional isolation were powerful and resonated with me. I found the
narrator to be my favourite character due to his openness and self-awareness. On the
other hand, I was less drawn to Desiree, as she seemed emotionally distant and
detached though I recognise that this may be shaped by the narrator’s subjective
Assignment 3
Due 11 August 2025
, SECTION A: REFLECTION (15 marks)
Before beginning this module, I had read a few novels but did not do so regularly. One
novel that had a lasting impression on me was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I
was particularly drawn to the vivid portrayal of pre-colonial Nigerian life and how Achebe
used aspects of Igbo tradition and culture to explore themes of transformation, personal
identity, and cultural loss. I found the main character, Okonkwo, compelling because of
his flaws and internal struggles, which made him feel authentic and relatable.
In contrast, I had a hard time engaging with Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
The old-fashioned language and slow pace made it difficult for me to stay focused, and I
struggled to connect with the narrative. Its length and literary style were the primary
reasons why I found it less enjoyable.
Unit 4 of this module significantly enhanced my understanding of how to interpret and
examine novels. The explanations on analysing themes and character development
were especially helpful. I learned how authors use narrative voice and literary
techniques to build emotionally complex characters and explore central ideas such as
love, loss, and personal growth. For example, the section on understanding the
narrator’s viewpoint allowed me to better appreciate the emotional layers in Small
Things.
However, I did find it challenging to grasp the concept of stream-of-consciousness
writing. It was difficult to tell apart the character’s memories, current thoughts, and
philosophical reflections.
Reading Small Things was a challenging yet meaningful experience. Initially, I struggled
with its poetic and abstract writing style, but as I progressed, I grew accustomed to the
introspective tone and began to appreciate its depth. I would describe the novel as
moderately difficult, mainly because of the reflective nature of the prose. The themes of
longing and emotional isolation were powerful and resonated with me. I found the
narrator to be my favourite character due to his openness and self-awareness. On the
other hand, I was less drawn to Desiree, as she seemed emotionally distant and
detached though I recognise that this may be shaped by the narrator’s subjective
