Dystopian Novel Analysis

Name/PD _____________________

Since each student will be completing a literary analysis research paper for their dystopian novel,
we will make the process easier by completing the analysis of the novel part while reading. As
the novel is read, take notes either on note cards from your reading in the following format:
1. Authors last name.
a. On note card, this should be on each note card
in the upper left hand corner.
2. Topic or theme (Guideline in picture) underlined.
We will be discussing the following themes that you
will take notes from but you might also come up with
some themes of your own.
a. type of governments
b. types of control: laws, religion, peer pressure,
fear, sex
c. use of media: propaganda, censorship,
subliminal messaging
d. individuality vs. society
e. symbolism
f. characterization
g. utopia
h. dystopia
i. technology vs. nature
j. nature vs. nurture
k. freedom vs. control
3. Quote, Paraphrase, or Summary from book.
4. Page number from which the quote was found.
5. Analysis: an analysis essentially explains why you picked the quote or put it under the
theme that you chose. You also can explain what it means or how it fits into the context
of the story or theme. Put this on the back of the card.

Grade (100 pts):

You will turn in your notes at the end of the reading, along with the rubric on the back of this sheet, for
one larger grade. I will be looking for:
1. Quotes and thorough notes. I should be seeing many quotes/notes for each chapter!
2. Organization of ideas by topics or themes. I should see notes listed for several different topics
or themes, not just one or two.
3. A KEY and Theme Categories at the beginning of the book and/or in your notes to understand
what colors or symbols indicate what theme or category.
4. Required information author, quote, page.
5. Analysis established ideas beyond simple summary, including many of the suggested topics
above.

Novel Analysis Rubric

Name/PD _____________________

(100 pts.)

Thorough
Notes

Marking & Legend or Key

Required
Information

Analysis

The following is how you will be graded for your note-taking. DO NOT LOSE! Turn in with
your notes when they are due.
5
Many ideas
established
beyond the
summary. A
thorough
analysis of the
book was
completed.
All notes
contained a
theme, quote,
page number,
and analysis.

4
Some ideas
established
beyond the
summary. An
analysis of the
book was
completed.

3
A few ideas
were
established.
Analysis was
brief or not
covered in
some areas.

2-1
Ideas were not
present or
vague.
Analysis was
vague or not
covered in
some areas.

0
Not
Present.

Most notes
contained a
theme, quote,
page number,
and analysis.

Some notes
contained a
theme, quote,
page number,
and analysis.

Not
Present.

Marking and
organization of
ideas was
systematic and
detailed in all
chapters.
Legend is
present and
logical.

Most of the
marking and
organization of
ideas was
systematic and
mostly
detailed in all
chapters.
Legend is
present and
rational.

Some of the
marking and
organization of
ideas was
systematic and
somewhat
detailed in all
chapters.
Legend is
present and
legible.

All chapters
possessed a
thorough
amount of
notes and
markings.

Most chapters
possessed an
amount of
notes and
markings.

Some chapters
possessed an
amount of
notes and
markings.

There are little

to no notes
containing a
theme, quote,
page number,
and analysis.
There was
little marking
and/or
organization of
ideas. There
was little
organization or
detail in the
chapters.
Legend is
present but
may be
illegible.
Some chapters
were not
marked or did
not possess
notes.

Points

Score

____x5

____x5

Not
Present.

____x5

Not
Present.
____x5

Notes:

Grade ____________________ /100