Elements of the Short Story Sister Josepha By Alice Dunbar-Nelson

Presenter Rita Higgins Humanities Division Essex County College September 24, 2003

What is a Plot? Plan of Action Pattern of Events The Emphasis is on Planning What is the Action in Sister Josepha?

How is the plot like real life?

In Sister Josepha…and you have the basic plot! Describe the… Characters Setting Situation In Sister Josepha…and you have the basic plot!

Narrative Hook What is the first problem faced by Sister Josepha? Do you see why conflict makes the story interesting? Why is that?

The Secret Formula Conflict Equals Suspense!

Rising Action What is the rising action in Sister Josepha? What conflict is growing within her? Is the conflict internal or external or both?

The Apex, Peak, Summit What is the climax of the story? Remember that the climax of the story signals that the conflict can not become any more intense and the something has to give. Where in Sister Josepha do we see this?

What Happens? What are the resultant actions of Sister Josepha in the falling action. How does the author describe her? What does she do? How does she feel? Why?

What Can You Guess? Will Sister Josepha ever leave the convent? Why or why not? What do you think will happen?

Is Sister Josepha’s character believable to you? Why or why not? Verisimili…what?!!! Is Sister Josepha’s character believable to you? Why or why not?

If you can can… Ladies and gentlemen! If you can form an opinion about the characters in the story, then you have most likely suspended disbelief.

Let’s Test This Theory! Class Vote: Choose one. Sister Josepha will remain a nun. (or) b. Sister Josepha will run away and meet the young man she was taken with at church. Which one do you want to happen to her?

Most readers want a happy ending

However, do you think the author wants you to assume a happy ending for Sister Josepha? Discuss!

Thank you for participating! 

Presented by Rita Higgins Humanities Division Essex County College September 24, 2003