Analysis of Character Development and Theme in a Fictional Novel and Preparation for Group Discussion Before getting into the specifics of this task, let’s review the definition of theme. A theme is a message that appears in a literary text. Themes often say something about life or human nature. Sometimes a theme also provides a short lesson or moral about life. Now, think about the central question of this unit: Is it the achievement or the journey that defines us?

In this task, you will select a novel and think about the journey the main character has undergone. You will use your thoughts and observations about this character’s journey to decide whether the main character learned more from participating in the journey or from achieving his or her goal. Feel free to refer to the writing assignments you may have completed in the lessons of this unit as you complete this activity.

Part A
In many fictional stories, characters must overcome a difficult journey to accomplish a specific goal. Think about the main character in a novel you recently read (The Hobbit, A Wrinkle in Time, or The Old Man and the Sea). Consider the journey the main character participated in and how the character dealt with that journey. Next, think about whether the character learned more from participating in the journey or from achieving his or her goal. You will explain your thoughts about the main character in a group discussion.

Now that you have considered the discussion topic, write a one paragraph summary of the journey the main character completes in the novel you selected. Make sure your summary includes the name of the novel and the main character you are discussing.