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Study Guide “A” Elements of
Fiction
You have learned how to read, study, think, and write about literature and practiced these skills on short stories, drama, an opera. Now it is time to apply yourselves to a sustained work of fiction: the novel. When preparing yourselves to discuss Part I of Lonesome Dove (and the rest of the novel), devote time to your reading journal about these elements as well as topics, questions, and consideration of your own devising. 1. What are the characters like? “Who’s who?” Find specific examples of direct and indirect revelations that describe their appearance, personalities, and motivations; classify them as static or dynamic based on your evidence. Note: your assessment and classification of character may change as the novel progresses. (The page references below are just SOME of the many you should note.) Augustus McCrae pp 16; 22-24; 42-43 Captain Woodrow Call pp 13;17; 26-28; 82-83; 96 Pea Eye Parker pp 17-18; 56; 136-142 Newt “Dobbs” pp 30-32; 34; 118-119 Dish Boggett pp 45; 51-53; 56-59; 66 Lorena Wood pp 40; 44-49 Josh Deets pp 59; 63; 65; 74; 95; 192-194 Jake Spoon pp 61-64; 68-72 Clara Allen pp 76 Do the same for minor characters as well, such as Bolivar, Xavier Wantz, and Lippy to name a few. Note which characters have the last word in the chapters and consider if there’s a pattern and in what way having the last lines might be significant. 2. How does Larry McMurtry use language to describe action? Characters? Setting? How does he use it in dialogue (Figurative language, connotation, diction, humor, irony)? “Evening took a long time getting to Lonesome Dove. . . “ p 13 “If any of the customers of the Dry Bean. . .just to be on the safe side.” p14 “‘Give Call a grievance, however silly, and he would save it like money.’” p18 “‘Fillies are his only form of folly,’ Augustus said.” p 18 The bickering conversation between Gus and Bol on p 25. Consider other issues of language. One issue is in Ch. 8, the sign Gus makes for the Hat Creek Outfit. Note in your journal such observation like 1) Gus is literate, which is rare in the West; it appears he can read and write in 2-3 (more maybe?) Languages; 2) He’s had some college education – surprising! 3) Some of these souls don’t even know their real or their full names – what’s the story behind this? 4) What does the Latin motto mean? Translate it! (This is a fun mini-research project. I’ll ask in class what you’ve discovered.) 3. Regarding other elements of fiction, can you determine a theme that seems to overarch Part I? Ask yourself, “How can I recognize foreshadowing?” For instance, why does McMurtry tell the sub-story of Dillard Brawley? Why does he keep referring to the long ago Rangers’ battle at Fort Phantom Hill? Why does Mc McMurtry insert information about the characters’ dreams? Is there symbolic significance regarding Gus’ sign? What about the horses (and their names) owned by the main characters? Pay attention to clothing, weather, and rivers in terms of symbolic weight. Most importantly – think about the title of the novel, “Lonesome Dove,” who might it represent; what qualities does it suggest that the character you choose possesses? 4. Bring probing and provocative questions that you have about the novel to class to enhance the discussion. Now a word about the reading schedule. Finish Part I by March 17th at the latest. Be ready for a quiz on that date. Finish the rest of the novel over Spring Break. You will be tested on it when you return to classes the 29th. Essay assignments for the novel will be available no later than March 31st, possibly earlier because you will be giving formal oral presentations on your final essay topic before the semester ends. The final essay will be due the last day of class. Your final exam (on FIU scheduled Exam Day) will be an essay as well. This is a cumulative exam. |
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