5 Ways of Analyzing a Novel with Illustrations
Brian Selznick is one of those rare authors who can draw illustrations to enhance his storyline. In the case of "Wonderstruck", Ben and Rose have the same experience. Both live fifty years apart. though. If not for the thunder, which causes Ben to lose his sense of hearing. If not for the Museum of Art, located in New York. If not for the pack of wolves. Selznick narrates the story of one in illustrations and the other in words. Readers must not be confused about this unusual approach, not even prompt them to compare which one is better. After all, an illustration must help the reader appreciate the book.
"Wonderstruck" can be a great topic for a film essay. (Todd Haynes adapted Selznick's book to the big screen.) It doesn't mean that it won't end up in the reading list of other modules, as the book can be categorized as historical fiction. It's interesting to contrast Selznick's description of starry New York during the 1920s to the seedy side of Queens during the 1970s. Let's not forget that Rose will remind old Hollywood fans of Judy Lewis, the daughter of Clark Gable and Loretta Young. Lewis found out too late that her parents were movie stars because they feared that public knowledge could ruin their career. (Gable was married to someone who wasn't working in the entertainment industry.) There's no doubt that Selznick is a film enthusiast, which is the main theme of "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". But it shouldn't be the main argument.
Selznick's description of the Big Apple should make you wonder if the lives of Ben and Rose could have been different if there isn't New York at all. It might be glum and gritty in Chicago while no one can predict their fate in the West. In this regard, New York is seen as a vital place, even define America. It will up to the students to figure out if Selznick's illustrations will justify it (or not). Let's move forward.
Adding Another Perspective to Your Essay
What to do if illustrations dictate the tone of your writing? "The Club Dumas" is one of the notables titles in Spanish literature during the last three decades, of how cynical bibliophiles regain the spark (in their lives) whenever they recall "The Three Musketeers". Arturo Pérez-Reverte also pays homage to Arthur Conan Doyle, as one of the mysterious characters is a drifter named Irene Adler. However, readers will be drawn to the illustrations that denote the dark arts. It might remind them of Harry Potter, but there shouldn't be any comparison between J.L. Rowling and Pérez-Reverte. It's tempting to analyze the Gothic elements, but think of the sinister features of the novel as something else. There won't be a story without those disturbing images. Pérez-Reverte, a native of Cartagena, intend to include it for a reason. Most classics are notable for the deeply-flawed characters, who have gone to great depths. How can "The Club Dumas" be different from the rest?
What if the images suggest otherwise? "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a children's book from the Victorian era, also a popular Disney animated film. The eccentricity should enchant the younger viewers, but the illustrations in the book allude to the psychological aspects. Did Lewis channeled his inner Freud? Your guess is as good as anyone else. Expect a very long essay.
Can the cover illustration be included? Most students overlook it, as they think that analyzing the story is more than enough. Perhaps. It will be extra effort to look at the back of the book and make a remark, but the cover is more important. If there's an illustration, then think about a possible link to the premise. Does the image sum up the author's view on the main themes of the novel? Your professor will be impressed if you can come up with persuasive argument.
Does color make any difference at all? Some copies of Doyle's stories on Sherlock Holmes feature black-and-white illustrations of the famed detective and his iconic home. If you can present a lengthy paper on how color can lessen the impact of Holmes on popular culture, the members of the faculty might admire you from afar.
Why settle for grotesque illustrations? Jorge Luis Borges compiled a long list of mythological creatures, which he provided with a metaphor that alludes to the complexities (or mysteries) of life. If the illustrations are more accurate (or grounded), then Borges might have failed as an author. Agree?
Why are You Writing a Paper In the First Place?
It doesn't mean that the illustrations are more significant than the storyline itself. You might ditch the Spartan way of writing your essay after you can't decide on which main points to discuss in your paper. You can settle with two or three themes. Your argument must be linked to it, so make sure that you read back and forth from time to time. It ensures that you won't veer off from your objective(s).
Illustrations can be another argument, but it will be better to integrate it. It's pretty obvious if you conclude that the images help you understand the author's views better. How about a perspective haven't discussed before? Don't be afraid to venture further.
