53 pages • 1 hour read
Alan BennettThe Uncommon Reader
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
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BetaEssay Topics
The Uncommon Reader is intended to be a satirical novella. What does the book seem to be critiquing? Use evidence from the text to support your argument(s).
Why does Bennett include Norman’s character? How does Norman’s sexual orientation, which is mentioned several times in the book, alter the overall plot of the novella?
Over the course of the novella, many traditional pieces of literature are mentioned. The Queen only struggles specifically with Jane Austen and feminist literature. Why does Bennett describe this struggle? What is Bennett trying to illustrate through his use of classic examples?
The Queen’s character changes over the course of the novella. Identify and analyze key transition moments to discuss how she changes and for what reasons.
As a satire, it could be argued that each of the characters in The Uncommon Reader is a stand-in for a larger idea or system. Choose one to two characters and analyze what or who they stand for, using precise evidence to back-up your assertions.
Bennett could have chosen several activities to change the Queen’s character over the course of time. Why did he choose reading? How does reading specifically alter the Queen’s perspective? Discuss using evidence from the text.
The Uncommon Reader is written in the third person, with a focus on the Queen. What impact does this perspective have on the conflicts presented in the novella?
Dialogue is used frequently in the novella to present differing perspectives. How does the Queen’s dialogue change over time? What does this reveal about her character?
The conclusion of the novella might be seen as surprising to some readers. Why did Bennett choose to end the text this way? What is this a commentary on?
What argument is made about the connection between reading and writing in The Uncommon Reader? Do you agree or disagree? Present your own opinion using evidence from the novella.
