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?