You worked on your stories.
You added some dialogue (interior or exterior)
I showed you Freytag’s Pyramid
Explanation of each point:
Exposition:
• Introduces characters, setting, and initial situation.
• Sets the tone and context for the story.
• Establishes the normal state of affairs.
• Example: In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the exposition introduces Harry as
an orphan living with his abusive relatives, the Dursleys, unaware of his magical heritage.
Inciting Incident:
• Event that disrupts the normal equilibrium.
• Triggers the central conflict and sets the story in motion.
• Creates a point of no return for the protagonist.
• Example: In "The Hunger Games," the inciting incident occurs when Katniss's younger
sister, Prim, is selected as a tribute, leading Katniss to volunteer in her place.
Rising Action:
• Series of events that develop the conflict and tension.
• Complications arise, leading to increased conflict.
• Characters face challenges and make decisions.
• Example: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the rising action involves Scout and Jem's increasing
curiosity about their mysterious neighbor Boo Radley, leading to various attempts to
make contact.
Climax:
• The story's turning point of maximum tension and emotional intensity.
• The protagonist faces the central conflict head-on.
• The outcome of the conflict becomes clear.
• Example: In "Romeo and Juliet," the climax occurs when Romeo kills Tybalt in a fit of
rage, leading to dire consequences for both families and changing the course of the
story.
Falling Action:
• Events that occur after the climax, leading towards resolution.
• Consequences of the climax play out.
• Loose ends are tied up.
• Example: In "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," the falling action includes
the aftermath of the final battle, the crowning of the king, and the characters' return to
their respective homes.
Resolution:
• The final outcome of the conflict is revealed.
• Ties up major plot points.
• Provides a sense of closure.
• Example: In "Pride and Prejudice," the resolution involves Elizabeth and Darcy's
marriage, the reconciliation of various characters, and the resolution of
misunderstandings.
Denouement:
• Also known as the "conclusion" or "aftermath."
• Final thoughts or insights after the resolution.
• Wraps up any remaining loose ends.
• Example: In "The Great Gatsby," the denouement includes Nick's reflections on the tragic
events and his disillusionment with the American Dream.
Remember that while Freytag's Pyramid provides a useful framework, not all stories follow this
structure precisely, and variations can be seen in different forms of storytelling.
Why Do Literary Analysis:
• Understand deeper meanings.
• Gain insights into human experiences, emotions, and societal issues.
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Appreciate the craftsmanship of authors.
• Explore historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Why Read Texts for Themes:
Theme is an important idea expressed by a literary text
Literary texts are important to analyze because of the many ways they powerfully
express rich and important themes
Most of the time literary critics study individual elements of a text (plot, characters,
setting, language) to see how these elements contribute and construct the overall
theme of the text.
Defining Theme
A theme is an idea about the world, expressed by a literary text, of general importance
to people.
A theme is an idea about the world The idea is expressed by a literary text
The idea expressed by the literary text is important to people in general, not just a
small group.
Do not confuse theme and topic!
Do not use theme to refer to an abstract topic of a text. It is incorrect, for instance, to
say that the theme of a poem is love. The topic may be love. The theme in this case
would be what the poem says about love, such as “love cannot exist without respect.”
We did the exercise where you looked at the photograph and came up with the topic /
theme/ and evidence to support your theme.
Homework:
For next class: Hard copy of your story - 500 words (but that is just a guide - whatever
works).
Read : “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas”
Found on LEA and here:
[Link]
• Themes provide central ideas that connect elements of a text.
• Themes reveal underlying concepts, moral lessons, or commentary.
• Uncover layers of interpretation beyond surface plot.
What Themes Express (with Examples):
• Love and Sacrifice: "Romeo and Juliet" explores the theme of love overcoming
societal divisions.
• Power and Corruption: "Animal Farm" illustrates the corruption of power in a
society of animals.
• Isolation and Alienation: "The Catcher in the Rye" delves into the theme of
adolescent alienation.
• Good vs. Evil: "Lord of the Flies" examines the struggle between civilization and
primal instincts.
Difference Between Theme and Topic (with Example):
• Topic: The general subject discussed in a text.
•Example: "Family relationships in Jane Austen's novels."
• Theme: The underlying message or insight about the topic.
• Example: In Austen's novels, the theme of "social class influencing personal
relationships" is seen in how characters' love lives are impacted by societal
expectations.
Remember, analyzing literature takes practice. Start with these basics and gradually
develop your skills to explore more complex literary elements.
