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See the themes and characters of your readings in one concept map

Upload a PDF, a DOCX, or photos of your reading notes. DeckOwl builds an editable mind map that connects characters, conflicts, symbols, and themes so you can explore how a text fits together.

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How a literature concept map helps with close reading

Analyzing a novel or play means tracking how characters, conflicts, and symbols connect, and a literature concept map makes those links visible at a glance.

Track how a central theme develops across chapters
Link each character to the choices that drive the plot
Map recurring symbols to the scenes where they appear
Compare two texts by placing their themes side by side

Example literature concept map branches from classic novels

Hamlet: revengeThe ghost's demand · Hamlet's hesitation · Claudius's guilty conscience · The final duel

The Great Gatsby: the green lightGatsby's longing for Daisy · Past versus present · Symbol of unreachable hope · Boats against the current

Frankenstein: the creatureRejected by its creator · Learns language by watching a family · Demands a companion · Vows revenge on Victor

Pride and Prejudice: first impressionsDarcy's pride · Elizabeth's prejudice · The letter that reveals the truth · Misjudgments corrected over time

Things Fall Apart: colonial changeOkonkwo's rigid code · Arrival of the missionaries · The clan splits over change · Okonkwo's tragic end

Generate the full set

Character and theme branches

Each major character, conflict, and theme gets its own branch, so you can see how a story's threads connect before you write about them.

Editable and explorable

Rename nodes, move branches, and expand any idea into finer detail as you reread the text and your understanding grows.

Works from your own material

Start from your course reading, lecture slides, or a photo of your annotated pages. The map reflects the text you actually studied.

How it works

Upload your reading

Add a PDF, DOCX, plain text notes, or a photo of your annotated pages.

Generate the mind map

DeckOwl pulls out the characters, themes, and key passages and arranges them into connected branches.

Explore and revise

Rearrange branches, add your own interpretations, and use the map to plan your essay or study for an exam.

Upload a reading guide, chapter summaries, or lecture notes, and the mind map groups characters, themes, and motifs into branches you can rearrange and expand. Students writing essays can trace how an image or motif moves through the text before drafting a thesis.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I build a literature concept map for a novel?

Start with the central conflict or question of the book, then add branches for characters, settings, turning points, and symbols. Attach a short quoted passage to each branch so you can check your reasoning later.

What should a literature concept map include?

Include the major characters, the main themes, the key turning points, and any symbols or motifs that repeat. Keep each node to a short phrase so the connections stay easy to scan.

Can I export my literature concept map?

Export is a paid feature. The Plus plan at $99.90/year or $9.99/month includes PDF and DOCX export, while the free plan lets you explore the map in your browser.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and no credit card is needed to start. Students get 40% off with a school email.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.