exploring stories through literary elements an introduction
Post on 29-Dec-2015
226 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Exploring Stories through Literary Elements
Exploring Stories through Literary Elements
An Introduction
Getting Inside A StoryGetting Inside A Story
Literary Elements:
the pieces of a story
Analysis:
exploring how the pieces influence the whole
The Pieces of a StoryThe Pieces of a Story
Plot Conflict Setting Character Theme Point of View
The Story
Analyzing the StoryAnalyzing the Story
Follow a literary element through the story and identify how it influences the whole story and the other literary elements.
ConflictConflict
INTERNAL
The conflict is between the character and himself. Characters can struggle with decisions or emotions.
EXTERNALThe conflict is between a character and
an opposing force. This can be another character, society, nature, technology, the supernatural, etc.
How does conflict work?How does conflict work?
• Conflict drives plot• MAJOR CONFLICT - story continues
until conflict is solved• MINOR CONFLICT - complicates the
current conflict, helps reveal theme based on what happens and why, helps reader learn about characters based on how they react
Winnie the PoohWinnie the Pooh
MAJOR CONFLICT:The weather - destroys Owl’s
house. Story ends when Eeyore finds new one.
MINOR CONFLICTS:Piglet blows away.Tigger scares Pooh.Rain floods woods and houses.
Resolving the ConflictResolving the Conflict
Character
Eeyore finds anew one
Owl's House
Character
Christopher Robinrescues them
Piglet and Pooh
CharacterWe receive new info
Pooh is braveTigger is not scary
Tigger
Character
Piglet sends noteOwl helps
The Flood
The ConflictsResolved
And Every Now and Then…And Every Now and Then…Luck, Characters Change,
Divine Interventions Occur
What Conflict Shows UsWhat Conflict Shows Us
• Character traits - how do the characters react to the conflict, what does this tell us about them
• Theme - what happens, why does it happen, how is it solved, WHAT DOES THIS SUGGEST ABOUT PEOPLE and LIFE?
Conflict and CharacterConflict and Character
Eeyore has akind heart.
Owl's House
Pooh is easilyscared.
Tigger
Piglet is smart.
Piglet's Trapped
Characterand Conflict
Conflict and ThemeConflict and Theme
Sometimes, people can surprise you.Kindess is rewarded.
Friends can help you through difficult times.
Eeyore helpsOwl. Piglet lets
Owl have his home.
Owl's House
Conflictand Theme
SettingSetting
PARTS OF SETTING
• Time/Historical Period• Geographic Location• Physical Features• Social Setting
The Influence of SettingThe Influence of Setting
Setting can influence:
• Our understanding of characters (culture, customs)
• The conflict• How we picture the action
CharacterCharacter
Characters influence PLOT and CONFLICT• Characterization• Character Motivations• Role of Minor Characters
Characters influence THEME
• Cause and Effect
• Dynamic and Static Characters
The Character ConnectionThe Character Connection
Characterization
Influences Plot
Solves the Conflict Complicates the Conflict
Influences Conflict
Character Motivation
Makes Decisions
PLOT and CONFLICT
What the story suggestsabout PEOPLE and LIFE
How do we learnabout people?
What can we learnfrom the characters?
Why
What Happens
ObserveCharacter Actions
THEME
Characters
The Role of Minor CharactersThe Role of Minor Characters
• Create complications
• Help solve the conflict
• Develop theme
• Help develop main characters
Point of ViewPoint of View
First-person
Third-person Limited
Third-person Omniscient
FOR ANALYSIS: Why this choice and not that choice?
The Reliable NarratorThe Reliable Narrator
Age Experience
Education Bias
Culture Gender
Beliefs
Setting Lifestyle Upbringing
Occupation
Interests
Why did the author want this character to tell the story and not an objective narrator?
The Third-PersonThe Third-Person
LIMITED…
• One or two main characters• More common• Allows author to develop a few round
characters
OMNISCIENT…
• All characters• Different perspectives• Episodic
Can Stories Talk?Can Stories Talk?
• Does the story present life as positive or negative?• Does the story present people as good, evil or both?• What does the story suggest about how people should live
their lives?• According to the story, do people have control of their own
lives?• What kind of society does the story depict?• What influences the condition of this society?• Does the story address any values: loyalty, tolerance, hard
work, etc.?• Does the story focus on any universal experiences such as
growing up, falling n love, etc.? THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS POINT TO THE
THEME OF THE STORY.
Common Topics in LiteratureCommon Topics in LiteratureTheme: Identify the major topics in
the story. What does the story suggest about these topics?
Any questions?Any questions?
top related