How To Write An Outline For A Farewell To Arms

The Book Thief Markus Zusak
Summary: This novel, narrated by Death, follows the growth of a young German girl who must learn how to live with her new adoptive parents during World War II. While at their house, her adoptive father teaches her to read and causes her to fall in love with the written language. One night, the son of one of the father’s old war friends comes to the house seeking shelter from Nazi’s, as he is Jewish. Liesel Meminger and Max, the man seeking shelter, bond over a love of the written word. Eventually, Max leaves their house due to his fear that the family will suffer if he is discovered hiding in their house.
Point of View: The point of view is interesting because it is a first-person point of view told by Death. Due
to Death’s ability to see everything that occurs, the point of view feels omniscient because Death simply narrates what is going on in Liesel’s life. This point of view allows the reader to feel close to Liesel because he/she knows exactly what is going on. However, the reader is still detached because Death is the narrator and serves as an intermediary.
Theme: A main theme of the novel is mortality and how the imminence of death is heightened during war. Since the narrator is Death, the reader quickly realizes that death and dying will play a big role in the novel. However, death is not portrayed as something to be afraid of, rather it is a concept which all must become acquainted with. At the end of the novel, Liesel dies and greets Death as if he is an old friend showing how Death is not always negative.
Key Concept: A key concept of the novel is language, more specifically how language has the power to comfort others.
Pivotal Scene: The pivotal scene occurs when Liesel and her adoptive parents are in a bomb shelter with their neighbors because a bomb warning was issued.
At first, everyone is frightened and uncomfortable, but then Liesel begins to tell stories. Her stories bring the neighborhood closer and solidify a sense of camaraderie among them. They also comfort everyone who is terrified as they allow people to think of other things and escape their present situation.
A Farewell to Arms Ernest Hemingway
Summary: The novel centers around two characters, the American soldier Frederic Henry and the English nurse Catherine Barkley. Beginning with Henry starting his service in Italy, the novel continues with him being injured and sent to a hospital where he meets Barkley. The two have a love affair while he is at the hospital. Soon, he is sent back to the front but kills a general and is sent to the military police. He escapes from them and finds Catherine, with whom he escapes to Switzerland where they have a child. Catherine dies during labor and leaves Henry with their son.
Setting: The main setting is Italy during WWI. It is integral to the novel as it transforms the novel from a love story into a story about love during war. The secondary setting is Switzerland, where the two have a child. This setting is important because it physically allows them to escape the horrors of war and attempt to live a normal
life.
Theme: A major theme of the novel is the danger and pain that comes with love, especially love during war. Henry could have easily been killed when he returns to the front, leaving Catherine single and pregnant. At this time, it would have been difficult for her to raise a child on her own. Yet, the characters allow themselves to love each other despite the risks.
Key Concept: A key concept of the novel is language and communication, or lack thereof. While Henry is at the hospital, he is unable to communicate with some of the nurses. This lack of communication with many of the people who surround him causes him to associate Catherine with security since she speaks English. Especially during war, a common language allows people to become closer even though ones surroundings may be chaotic.
Pivotal Scene: The pivotal scene occurs when Henry escapes from the military police and goes to find Catherine Barkley. He realizes that he desires a more normal life after witnessing the horrors of war and decides to run away with her. When they physically escape to Switzerland, he is able to find a sense of normalcy. The Fellowship of the Ring J.R.R. Tolkien
Summary: The first novel of The Lord of the Rings trilogy introduces the nine fellowship members and sets them out on their mission to destroy the One Ring. While trying to make it to Mordor to destroy the ring, one of the members of the fellowship attacks Frodo and tries to steal the ring, influence by its evil powers. Frodo escapes with his friend Sam and the two begin their own journey to Mordor. The rest of the fellowship follows the other hobbits, Merry and Pippin, who have been captured.
Theme: A main theme of the novel is the danger of greed because of its ability to cloud peoples minds and turn them against their friends. In Boromir’s case, the one who attacks Frodo, his desire to restore his kingdom allows the ring to twist his mind and make him think that he must steal the ring. Afterwards, he realizes his mistake and apologizes, but it is too late.
Plot/Structure: The plot follows the typical structure of an adventure story.
At the beginning everything is normal, but then Gandalf the Gray wizard appears and sends Frodo and the other Hobbits on a mission to make it to Rivendell to deliver the ring. At Rivendell, the council decides to create a fellowship which will take the ring to Mordor.
Key Concept: A key concept of the novel is the potential for greatness which exists in all creatures. The Hobbits are underestimated by all other people, but are the only ones who are able to successfully destroy the ring without succumbing to greed. In essence, one message of the novel is not to underestimate the capabilities of those who appear weak.
Pivotal Scene: The pivotal scene occurs when Boromir, overcome by the power of the ring, attacks Frodo and causes him to leave the fellowship and go to Mordor with only Sam for company. This scene precipitates the breakup of the fellowship and the beginning of the individual members’ personal journeys. It also serves as a catalyst for events which occur in books two and three of the
trilogy.