What is Novella?

q A novella is a literary form that occupies a space

between the short story and the novel.
q It typically ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 words.
q more depth and complexity than a short story.
q maintaining a concise structure compared to a
full-length novel.
 Characteristics of Novellas
LENGTH
Novellas are shorter than novels but
longer than short stories, providing a
middle ground for authors to explore a
specific theme or idea.

FOCUSED PLOT
Novellas often have a single, focused plot
or theme, allowing for in-depth
exploration without the need for multiple
subplots.
 Characteristics of Novellas
LIMITED CHARACTERS
Due to their shorter length, novellas typically
feature a more limited cast of characters,
enabling a more intense examination of their
personalities and relationships.

INTIMACY AND INTENSITY

Novellas often create a sense of intimacy
between the reader and the characters due to
their shorter length, allowing for a
concentrated emotional impact.
 Characteristics of Novellas
SETTING
The setting in novellas is often
vividly portrayed, as authors have
limited space to create a detailed
backdrop for the narrative.
Prominent Examples
1. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell
Though not a traditional novella, this allegorical
novella-length work explores political themes within a
concise framework.

2. "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

A classic novella exploring friendship and the
American Dream, with a limited cast of characters
and a tightly woven plot.
Importance of Studying Novellas
Literary Exploration
Novellas provide a unique opportunity for authors to
experiment with narrative forms and styles, offering
students a diverse range of literary experiences.

Efficient Analysis
Novellas offer students the chance to analyze
complex themes and characters in a more focused
manner, making it an efficient and insightful
exercise.
Cultural and Historical Context
Novellas often encapsulate the cultural and
historical contexts of their time, allowing
students to gain a nuanced understanding of the
period in which they were written.

Critical Thinking
Analyzing novellas encourages critical thinking
and the development of literary analysis skills,
which are valuable in various academic and
professional pursuits.
 ANIMAL FARM
by George Orwell
The story begins on Manor Farm, where the
animals, led by the pigs Old Major, Snowball, and
Napoleon, rebel against their human owner, Mr.
Jones. Inspired by Old Major's vision of a utopian
society where animals are free from human
oppression, they successfully overthrow Mr.
Jones and establish their own government. The
farm is then renamed "Animal Farm," and the
animals adopt a set of commandments to govern
their behavior, the most important of which is "All
animals are equal."
 ANIMAL FARM
by George Orwell
Initially, the animals work together to build a better
society. Snowball, a pig, takes the lead in planning
and organizing the farm. However, internal power
struggles emerge, leading to the expulsion of
Snowball by Napoleon, who seizes control. As time
passes, the pigs become indistinguishable from the
humans they initially rebelled against, and the
commandments are subtly altered to justify their
actions.
 ANIMAL FARM
by George Orwell
The working class, represented by the other animals,
begins to suffer under the pigs' rule. The pigs
engage in trade with humans, violate their own
commandments, and live a life of luxury while the
other animals toil in increasingly difficult conditions.
The loyal and hardworking horse, Boxer, is betrayed
and sent to the knacker when he is no longer useful.
 ANIMAL FARM
by George Orwell

In the end, the pigs fully embrace the human vices

they once opposed. The final commandment is
changed to "All animals are equal, but some animals
are more equal than others." The animals, realizing
the corruption and betrayal, look back and forth
between the pigs and humans but can no longer
distinguish one from the other.
q "Animal Farm" serves as a cautionary
tale about the corrupting nature of
power and the dangers of
totalitarianism.
q It highlights the potential for those
who overthrow oppressive regimes to
become oppressors themselves,
illustrating the cyclical nature of
political systems.
q The novella is a powerful critique of
the Soviet Union under Stalin, but its
themes are universal and applicable to
various historical and political
contexts.