When we are first introduced to a
new novel , we need to be interested in what happens in the start
of the novel for our interest to be maintained. The author does
this by giving us information, exposing us to what will
come ahead. This is called the Exposition .
A good exposition will do the
following. It will
- tell us who is in the story
- tell us what these characters
are doing and what their main conflicts will be
- give us something to look
forward to by giving hints that all is not well or that
something exciting will happen in the novel. In other
words it should leave us asking questions and awaiting
answers.
- Consider the novel you are now
reading and note the details that the author offers you
to gain your interest and involvement. Make a list of the
ways your novel DOES and DOES NOT do all of the above and
justify your answer.
- Consider the effect that the
point of view used in the novel , has on making the
opening chapters a good example of exposition.
ESSAY QUESTION
" To what extent are the
opening chapters of the novel you are currently studying, a good
exposition to the novel? " Discuss.