Skip to main content

How long (how many hours) will it take the average high school student to read Bernard Malamud's novel The Natural?

The edition of Bernard Malamud's 1952 novel The Natural consulted is 249 pages in length. The average novel has between 250 and 300 words per page. The average high school student reads at a pace of 214 to 250 words per minute, the lower end of the scale representing 9th grade students and the upper end seniors. One could, therefore, logically estimate that it will take the average high school student -- assuming, let's say,...

The edition of Bernard Malamud's 1952 novel The Natural consulted is 249 pages in length. The average novel has between 250 and 300 words per page. The average high school student reads at a pace of 214 to 250 words per minute, the lower end of the scale representing 9th grade students and the upper end seniors. One could, therefore, logically estimate that it will take the average high school student -- assuming, let's say, 300 words per page in a 249 page novel -- approximately four hours to read Malamud's novel.


The student's question did specify "average high school student." It is important to keep in mind that some students read at faster speeds than others, and some, especially those with a reading disorder, may read considerably slower. The above data, however, is based upon averages, per the student's request. It is also useful to keep in mind that reading a novel is generally a much quicker process than reading a nonfiction textbook, especially when taking into consideration the need to seriously comprehend the contents of the textbook. Obviously, any novel that is required to be read must be understood, but there is no question that most novels are easier to read and comprehend than most textbooks or many nonfiction history or science books. For purposes of discussion, though, expect to devote up to four hours to read The Natural.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more