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Section A: Reflection: Novel (Unit 4)
Prior to studying this module, I did not regularly read novels. This lack of engagement was mostly
due to a combination of external factors, such as time constraints, and my own personal interests,
which often leaned more toward academic or non-fiction materials. I was more comfortable with
shorter texts, such as articles or short stories, which felt more manageable and easier to engage with
given my schedule. However, upon beginning this module, I recognized the value in reading longer
texts, especially in gaining a deeper understanding of complex themes and character development.
In reflecting on Unit 4, I found the breakdown of the elements of a novel to be incredibly insightful.
The distinction between a novel and a short story, particularly in terms of length, complexity of the
plot, the number of characters, and the expansiveness of the setting, helped me understand how much
more intricate novels can be. One of the most important aspects I grasped was the concept of
narrative time, especially the use of shifting tenses in Small Things. The transition from past tense to
the historical present in the 'Nausea' section was particularly illuminating in terms of how authors
can manipulate time to evoke a specific mood or effect on the reader. Additionally, the unit's focus
on critical analysis and theme identification really stood out. Learning that novels often explore
multiple themes simultaneously, such as love, inequality, and the human condition, helped me
approach the text with a more analytical mindset. However, I did find theme identification
challenging at times, particularly in understanding how abstract themes like love and loss are
intricately woven into the characters' lives without being overtly stated. It required multiple readings
to fully appreciate these layers.
Reading Small Things was a somewhat difficult yet thought-provoking experience. The novel’s
abstract themes, especially the protagonist’s reflections on life, love, and existential meaning, created
a complex atmosphere that required careful attention. While the novel’s slow pace and introspective
nature were engaging at times, I found myself struggling with the main character’s often cynical and
emotionally distant nature. I appreciated Mercedes, the secondary character, for her warmth and
belief in love, which contrasted sharply with the protagonist’s often bleak outlook. Mercedes’ vibrant
personality made her a favorite, while the unnamed main character, with his constant emotional
turmoil and depressive tendencies, was harder to relate to. His self-destructive thoughts and inability
to commit made him difficult to connect with, and his narrative felt somewhat overwhelming. The
ending, where the protagonist is 'killed by bees', left me with mixed feelings. It felt abstract and
somewhat bewildering, yet also made me reflect on the fragility of life and the profound impact of
seemingly insignificant events. Overall, the novel evoked a sense of melancholy and contemplation,
prompting me to consider deeper questions about existence and personal meaning.
Section A: Reflection: Novel (Unit 4)
Prior to studying this module, I did not regularly read novels. This lack of engagement was mostly
due to a combination of external factors, such as time constraints, and my own personal interests,
which often leaned more toward academic or non-fiction materials. I was more comfortable with
shorter texts, such as articles or short stories, which felt more manageable and easier to engage with
given my schedule. However, upon beginning this module, I recognized the value in reading longer
texts, especially in gaining a deeper understanding of complex themes and character development.
In reflecting on Unit 4, I found the breakdown of the elements of a novel to be incredibly insightful.
The distinction between a novel and a short story, particularly in terms of length, complexity of the
plot, the number of characters, and the expansiveness of the setting, helped me understand how much
more intricate novels can be. One of the most important aspects I grasped was the concept of
narrative time, especially the use of shifting tenses in Small Things. The transition from past tense to
the historical present in the 'Nausea' section was particularly illuminating in terms of how authors
can manipulate time to evoke a specific mood or effect on the reader. Additionally, the unit's focus
on critical analysis and theme identification really stood out. Learning that novels often explore
multiple themes simultaneously, such as love, inequality, and the human condition, helped me
approach the text with a more analytical mindset. However, I did find theme identification
challenging at times, particularly in understanding how abstract themes like love and loss are
intricately woven into the characters' lives without being overtly stated. It required multiple readings
to fully appreciate these layers.
Reading Small Things was a somewhat difficult yet thought-provoking experience. The novel’s
abstract themes, especially the protagonist’s reflections on life, love, and existential meaning, created
a complex atmosphere that required careful attention. While the novel’s slow pace and introspective
nature were engaging at times, I found myself struggling with the main character’s often cynical and
emotionally distant nature. I appreciated Mercedes, the secondary character, for her warmth and
belief in love, which contrasted sharply with the protagonist’s often bleak outlook. Mercedes’ vibrant
personality made her a favorite, while the unnamed main character, with his constant emotional
turmoil and depressive tendencies, was harder to relate to. His self-destructive thoughts and inability
to commit made him difficult to connect with, and his narrative felt somewhat overwhelming. The
ending, where the protagonist is 'killed by bees', left me with mixed feelings. It felt abstract and
somewhat bewildering, yet also made me reflect on the fragility of life and the profound impact of
seemingly insignificant events. Overall, the novel evoked a sense of melancholy and contemplation,
prompting me to consider deeper questions about existence and personal meaning.
