Some common elements in plot outlines of great novels include a protagonist with a goal. For instance, in 'Moby - Dick', Ahab's goal is to hunt down the white whale. There are also antagonists, like the whale itself in that story. Another common element is conflict, which can be internal, like Hamlet's indecision, or external, such as the war in 'War and Peace'. Additionally, there is often a journey or a series of events that lead to a climax and then a resolution, whether it's a happy or tragic ending.
To analyze plot outlines of great novels effectively, first, identify the main characters and their goals. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth's goal is to find a suitable marriage while maintaining her independence. Then, look at the conflicts, like the social class differences that create obstacles. Next, note the rising action, such as the various balls and social gatherings where interactions unfold. Finally, understand the climax and resolution. In 'Pride and Prejudice', the climax is Darcy's second proposal, and the resolution is their happy union.
In 'Outlines of Great Novels', one of the essential elements is the setting. It sets the stage for the story, whether it's a specific time period like Victorian England or a fictional place. Another crucial part is the theme. It could be love, power, or the search for identity. These themes are often woven throughout the plot and influence the characters' actions. Also, the narrative structure, such as whether it's linear or non - linear, is an important aspect of the outline. For instance, in 'Pride and Prejudice', the linear structure helps to clearly show the development of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship. The setting of the English countryside in the early 19th century also adds to the charm and context of the story. And the themes of class, love, and pride play a significant role in driving the plot forward.
Well, first, you need to read the novel carefully. Take notes on the main characters, their goals, and the major events. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', note Elizabeth's initial prejudice against Darcy. Then, identify the rising action, like the various misunderstandings between them. The climax is when Elizabeth discovers the truth about Darcy. Finally, map out how the story resolves in the falling action and conclusion.
Another common plot is the 'reunion' plot. Two people who were in love in the past, perhaps high school sweethearts, are separated by some event like a family move or a misunderstanding. Years later, they meet again in an unexpected way. They still have feelings for each other but now they have to overcome new obstacles like current relationships or different life goals to be together once more.
The Four Great Classics referred to the four classical Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber, Journey to the West, Water Margins, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The following are the important storylines and plot outlines of these four books:
1 Dream of the Red Chamber
'Dream of the Red Chamber' narrated the love story of Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu, and others, as well as the rise and fall of the Jia family. The main plot of the story included Jia Baoyu being forced to become a monk, Lin Daiyu's death, the decline of the Jia family, and Jia Baoyu's marriage with Xue Baochai.
2 Journey to the West
Journey to the West tells the story of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Monk Sand protecting Tang Sanzang, who went to the West to obtain scriptures. The main plots of the story include: the birth of Sun Wukong, the havoc in the Heavenly Palace, the battle with the Bull Demon King, the Demon King's Stronghold, the Wuzhuang Taoist Temple, the Tang Monk's pilgrimage to the Western Heaven, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Monk Sand's pilgrimage to the Western Heaven, etc.
Water margin
Water Margins told the story of Lin Chong, Wu Song, Lu Zhishen and others who rebelled against the ruling class. The main plots of the story were: Lin Chong was exiled to the frontier, Wu Song beat the tiger, Lu Zhishen was drunk and beat Jiang's door god, etc.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms described the war and political struggles between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Cao Cao. The main plots of the story were: Battle of Red Cliff, Three Visits to the Cottage, Liu Bei's Arrival in Sichuan, Cao Wei's Unification of the North, etc.
You could start by checking your local library. They often have study guides or books specifically about the outlines of great novels. Another option is to look on academic databases if you have access to them. They may contain in - depth analyses related to the topic.
The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel by Francis Scott Scott. The novel mainly tells the story of the protagonist Gatsby and his deep reflection on American society and capitalist society. The following is a summary of the novel's chapters:
Gatsby's Loneliness
Gatsby was a wealthy American whose life was full of material pleasures and social activities. However, he felt lonely and empty deep down because he could not be with Daisy, the person he loved deeply.
Gatsby's Dream
Gatsby began to dream of becoming a writer and hoped to expose the dark side of capitalist society through writing. However, his writing path did not go smoothly because his words were rejected by the publisher.
Daisy's Appearance
Daisy was Gatsby's lover. She was a very beautiful girl and a rich woman. Gatsby began to realize that he could be with her and dreamed that one day they could live together.
Gatsby's Revenge
Gatsby's neighbor, Jack Dufresne, became the target of Gatsby's revenge. He was a poor man whom Gatsby had mistaken for Daisy's killer. Gatsby began to plan his revenge, but his actions caused more problems.
Gatsby's Despair
Gatsby's revenge plan had failed. He had lost Daisy and his own life. He realized that his life had been destroyed by capitalist society and that he could not escape the system.
Gatsby's Return
At the end of the novel, Gatsby suddenly returns and tries to regain what he has lost. However, his return did not change anything. Daisy still left him, and he could not change the nature of capitalist society.
The Last Gatsby
At the end of the novel, Gatsby realized that he was just a lonely man and he could not change anything. He left the city and returned to the countryside, trying to find some inner peace. He realized that despite everything he had, he still felt lonely and helpless.
Classification can also be done according to the conflict. If the main conflict is external, like in the forbidden love plot where society is against the relationship, that's one type. If it's internal, like when a character has to overcome their own fear of commitment to be with their love interest, that's another. For example, in a story where a divorced person is afraid to fall in love again but meets someone who makes them want to take that risk.
Wu Song beating the tiger in Jingyanggang was a plot in the classic Chinese novel Water Margins. The story was set in the Ming Dynasty. The protagonist, Wu Song, was an agile, brave and fearless man. He became a constable in Yanggu County.
One day, Wu Song met a tiger in Yanggu County. The tiger had been hungry for a long time and had been wandering around Yanggu County. Wu Song decided to go to the tiger's den to capture the tiger and bring his own weapon, the nunchaku, to Jingyanggang.
On Jingyang Ridge, Wu Song met a huge tiger and defeated it with his skills and weapons. After the tiger escaped, Wu Song caught it and brought it to the tiger's den. In the tiger's den, he found that this tiger was not an ordinary tiger, but a tyrant among fierce tigers called the "Multicolored Tiger".
Although the multicolored tiger was fierce, Wu Song was not scared. He used his wisdom and weapons to finally defeat the multicolored tiger. After the battle, Wu Song received the praise and admiration of the people of Yanggu County and became a hero.