1. GRAPHIC NOVEL How to Analyze a The English Student Way!

2. Prior Knowledge • You… • are able to make meaning of symbols • can interpret pictorial clues that are not necessarily realistic. • This is called… • visual literacy

3. Basic Graphic Novel Vocabulary • Panel • a boxlike “unit” that depicts a single scene in a narrative • Clean-cut borders and neat arrangement suggests order • Gutter • the space in between panels • Connects each panel, creating movement and action

4. Vocabulary continued… • Speech bubbles & Thought bubbles • a graphic designed to show ownership of dialogue or thoughts • Caption boxes • a space for text which is not dialogue for anyone in the scene. Can be narration or speech/thought of a character outside of the panel

5. Parts of a Graphic Novel Page

6. How to Read a Graphic Novel • Read left to right, top to bottom • follow the yellow arrows on the left • Sometimes it gets a bit more complicated • if it doesn’t make sense one way, reread and try a different way.

7. Using the Prior Knowledge • Small panels read more quickly, which suggest action • Larger panels take longer to read, which suggests a pause and/or thoughtfulness • Combinations create pacing

9. Literary Terms • Literary terms still apply • Such as: • Metaphor, allusion, plot, setting, alliteration, motif, theme, tone, symbol • You can analyze a graphic novel in a similar way to analyzing a novel

10. Recommended Graphic Novels • Maus I & II • Persepolis • American Born Chinese • Watchmen • V for Vendetta • Also: • Many movies and pieces of classical literature have been turned into graphic novels

11. Assignment • Resources • http://smashingwall.com/resources/comic-strips-websites/ • http://www.issuu.com/ • http://www.youblisher.com/ • Create a cover • Script your story • Use story boards for page layouts • Draw, use photos, import art work • Outline and explain your choices • Create your graphic novel and place it in your portfolio

12. Do not forget that you are telling a story. • Remember to connect with your target audience. • Have balance between illustration and dialog. • Have fun!!