A narrative is a story which include several important elements

PLOT

A series of events that make up the framework of a story.

Exposition: When the characters and setting (time/place) are exposed to the reader.

Rising Action: When the conflict or problems begin

PLOT continued

Climax: The turning point in the story—usually the most intense or exciting part. The place in the story where things can not ever go back to how they were in the beginning of the story.

Anticlimax

- Like a climax, an anticlimax is the turning point in a story. However, an anticlimax is always a letdown. It’s the point at which you learn the story will not turn out as you expected.

Falling Action and Resolution: This usually comes directly after the climax and the conflict is resolved (either happily or unhappily)

Setting: The time and place of a story

Point of View: The vantage point from which a writer tells a story (first or third person)

A lesson to be learned or insight into human nature. A moral. What the author wants you to learn after reading the story.

FORESHADOWING

The way an author provides hints to upcoming events in the story

Protagonist: The main character in the story

Antagonist: The character or force who goes against the protagonist

CHARACTER TYPES

Dynamic: One who changes emotionally by the end of the story.

Static: One who remains the same.

CHARACTER TYPES

STOCK: A stereotyped character

“The typical coach, teacher, cheerleader, etc.

CONTEXT The parts of the environment

(physical, historical, etc.) that surround something such as a word, passage, or work of art and can throw light on its meaning.

Historical Context: The environment of people that surrounds something's creation or intended audience.

Social Context: Reflects how people around something use and interpret it. It influences how something is viewed.

Symbol

Anything that stands for

or represents both itself and something else.

Example: The American flag is literally a piece of red, white, and blue cloth; however, it represents our freedom

“Everyday Use” page 109 Do you think family heirlooms are

important? Do you think you have anything you’d like to pass on to future generations?

PURPOSE: What is the writer saying about heritage in this selection? How does the author portray the quilt to advance the central message about life? How is the quilt symbolic?

“Everyday Use” page 109 Assignment: This story illustrates two

different interpretations of heritage and culture. Specifically, the quilts have significant meaning to both Dee and Maggie—yet the interpretations are quite different. In a two paragraph mini-essay, discuss how the quilts have symbolic meaning to both girls and provide at least one direct citation in each paragraph to support your discussion.

Essay Planning

Any time you are analyzing a literary device (symbol), you should define it or describe it before discussing it from the story.

Symbols are used in literature to represent meaning of another element portrayed throughout…

Paragraphs that Analyze Literature

K – Key point from the thesis statement E – Evidence (piece of evidence #1) A – Analysis of the Evidence T – Transition to piece of evidence #2 E – Evidence (piece of evidence #2) A – Analysis of the Evidence L – Link back to the topic sentence or

thesis statement

Each paragraph should focus on one of the characters (Dee & Maggie)

K – Key point from the thesis statement (this can also be your topic sentence for a supporting paragraph)

The quilt is important to Maggie and symbolizes the significance of family traditions that should be cherished.

E – Evidence (piece of evidence )

For example, the quilt is comprised of articles of clothing past family members had worn or made. It is understood that such quilts are to be passed down to future generations.

A – Analysis of the Evidence (the citation from the text to support your main point and an analysis of what that quotation means )

When Maggie hears her sister asking for the quilt, she “slams the door shut after leaving the room” (110). This indicates Maggie’s feelings about the quilt and how she wants…

T – Transition to piece of evidence #2

T – Transition to piece of evidence #2

However, even though Maggie feels she is entitled to the quilt, she tells her mother, “Go ahead and give Dee the quilt…” (113). She does this because…