8/8

Title: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Page Number: 322-371

Question: After you have finished the novel, go back and reread the first few chapters. Do you discover new information or uses of literary elements (irony, symbolism, foreshadowing, etc.) that you missed on your first read? Identify 1-3 examples and discuss how a second read enhances the reader’s understanding. WARNING: If you find no new information, don’t answer this prompt.

Response: In the book Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen, the protagonist is Annabel while the antagonist is her sister. Her sister, the middle sister, has an eating disorder. She refuses to admit that she has an issue about eating regularly and gaining weight. In the past, the middle sister and Annabel had gotten along wonderfully; but in recent years, modeling got in the way and caused tension between the two and now they fight. Ever since her older sisters went to college Annabel does not have much relation with them. (Alternative 1)

7/8

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Page Number: 276-322
Question: Authors use the following methods to develop the overarching theme over the course of the novel: key events, characters’ actions and interactions, and setting. First, identify the overarching theme in your novel and then discuss two methods the author uses to convey this message.
Response: In the novel Just Listen, written by Sarah Dessen, the overall theme is emotional. There are many themes because of her sister's conflict, at the lunch table, and her popularity at school. The theme is telling a story of how Annabel is stuck between friends and does not know what choice to make.  Two methods Sarah Dessen uses is how the characters are mean to her sometimes, and the actions they take with her family.

6/8

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Page Number: 230-276
Question: Identify at least one recurring symbol in the novel. Remember, symbols are most likely colors, objects, or animals that are used to convey a deeper, abstract meaning. Discuss the purpose of these symbols. Would the characters recognize the symbols or are they used for the benefit of the reader only?
Response: In the novel Just Listen, written by Sarah Dessen, a symbol most used would be when Annabel's sister has an eating disorder and refuses to eat. The middle sister's disorder causes a deep pain in the gamily which makes them all uneasy and not at rest. Annabel eats lunch with a boy that when she first saw him her perspective was that he was mean and always angry, never talked. After eating lunch with him for all that time she discovered that he was not the dark and mysterious high school boy she presumed he was. Her popularity at school was not good because of her relationship with Sophie. Everyone shut her out instead of being her friend.

5/8

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Page Number: 184-230
Question: The relationship between characters is typically important to a story. With whom is the protagonist’s most influential relationship (positive or negative)? Discuss how this relationship propels the action forward (builds plot), reveals aspects of a character (characterization), or provokes a decision.
Response: The most influential relationship negatively is with Sophie. In Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen, Annabel's relationship with Sophie was close until an issue occurs to where they do not like each other anymore. Sophie never talks to Annabel anymore.

4/8

Title: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Page: 138-184

Question: Identify an example of internal conflict experienced by either the protagonist or the antagonist. Discuss how the conflict arises, how the character handles the conflict, and how his/her decision affects the overall arching conflict of the novel or plot development.

Response: An example of internal conflict in Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen, is how Annabel deals with her sister having an eating disorder and how her family copes with it. Another internal conflict of Annabel is when her ex best friend is being mean to her. Her ex best friend also calls her mean names at school; which makes Annabel not know how to deal with their problems. She does know not whether they will resolve their issues or never be friends again. 

3/8

Title: Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Page #: 92-138

Question: Identify the point of view and discuss how the author develops the perspective of the character and/or narrator by revealing S.T.E.A.L. Then, evaluate how the POV influence a reader's attitude towards the protagonist or antagonist. 

Response: In Just Listen, written by Sarah Dessen, the point of view is first person. The point of view influences a reader's attitude because of how the protagonist is acting and how they feel. As the story moves on, Annabel gets her own perspective and at school, she feels she is unwanted because she does not have her best friend anymore. Her ex-best friend, Sophie, makes Annabel feel uneasy because she calls her mean names in school.

2/8

Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Page #: 46-92
Question: Name the protagonist of your novel. Identify the type of character the protagonist is. Provide a detailed analysis of his/her characterization - S.T.E.A.L. (see your shared drive for explanation of S.T.E.A.L.)
Response: The protagonist in "Just Listen", is Annabel Greene. Annabel Greene is a popular model in her teenage years. She is five feet eight inches  tall and has blond hair and blue eyes. Annabel dresses in skirts and preppy shirts. Her family acts like she is not as important as her other two sisters. Annabel's voice is almost unheard in her family. Annabel does not act out, she is very respectful to her parents.