A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Plot and Structure (2-3 pages)
A. Briefly discuss the title of the novel with regard to possible meanings and/or connotations.
B. Write in depth about each of the following parts of the structure of the story: exposition, complication, climax, and resolution.
C. In TWO paragraphs discuss the significance of the structure of the story, considering its arrangement (overall and chapter structure) and purpose, and analyze this importance in relationship to the conflict and its developments.
D. Discuss what point of view (or points of view) the author used to write the
novel. Why did the author chose the p.o.v s/he did? Discuss what conditions
affected the point(s) of view the author chose.
II. Characterization (2-3 pages)
A. Cite textual support from the novel for the following in relation to the
protagonist and how s/he is developed. Choose 3 of the 5 to discuss.
1. Character’s action
2. Character’s appearance
3. Character’s thoughts
4. Character’s words
5. Statements/thoughts of another character about the protagonist
B. Cite textual support from the novel for the following in relation to other character(s) and how s/he/they is/are developed. Choose 2 of the 4 to discuss
1. Discuss a flat or static character that plays a major role in the story. What is this character’s role and why is it significant?
2. Discuss how the author directly and indirectly characterizes a character other than the protagonist or the flat/static character you described above.
3. Discuss the external and internal conflict(s) the protagonist faces.
4. Discuss the role of the antagonist in the novel and how he/she serves as a contrast to another character.
III. Style (1-2 pages)
A. Choose three examples of Figurative Language/literary elements
1. Label the literary element
2. Analyze how this example enhances the plot, theme, character development and/or mood
3. You must use quotes for this section. Be sure to include the page number using correct MLA in-text citations
4. You may only use the literary devices listed here
5. 1- ½ pages
Choose three of the following (these are the only terms you may use):
Allegory Colloquialism Motif Stream of Consciousness
Allusion Epigraph Oxymoron Understatement
Ambiguity Extended Metaphor Paradox Use of Dialect
Analogy Flashback Personification Use of Diction
Anecdote Foreshadowing Pun Vocabulary
Apostrophe Juxtaposition Stereotype
IV. Literary Lenses (1-2 pages)
A. Choose one literary lens/criticism to discuss a scene /character
a. Include an outside source (remember to use proper in-text citations and include in Works Cited)
b. Provide support – use specific examples to explain the analysis
c. List the literary lens from which you are analyzing the scene/character. The only one you can use first-person for is Reader-Response.
V. Setting (1-2 [pages)
A. Discuss three of the following six purposes/functions of setting in
relationship to your novel.
1. Setting and credibility
2. Setting and symbols
3. Setting and character
4. Setting and mood
5. Setting and organization
6. Setting and irony
B. Integrate textual support to explain the significance in depth
VI. Symbolism (1-2 pages)
A. Discuss two symbols from the novel
1. Integrate textual support to explain their significance in depth
2. Indicate whether they are cultural, universal, or contextual symbols
3. Clearly label the symbols
4. Include quotes from the novel to help prove your points
B. 1 ½- 2 pages
VII. Theme (1-2 pages)
A. Discuss the main theme in the novel
1. Cite specific examples
