November 1, 2011 period C

 Basic definition: the events that make up a story. These events are organized in a specific way so that they take the reader “on a journey” from beginning to end.  There are five basic elements to a standard plot:  Exposition  Rising Action  Climax  Falling Action  Resolution or denouement

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution or Denouement

 First stage of the plot diagram  This stage is an introduction. The reader is introduced to the setting and the characters. The reader also begins to understand the problem, or conflict, of the story.

 Second stage of the plot diagram  In this stage, the problem builds. We start to witness events or situations that make the problem grow.

 Third stage of the plot diagram  Most exciting part of the story! The problem reaches its high point. What will happen next? How can the problem be solved?

 Fourth stage of the plot diagram  Action is winding down. The problem is on its way to being solved.

 Fifth and final stage of the plot diagram  The problem is wrapped up. Note: this does not mean that there’s a happy ending. It simply means that the problem has been solved – for better or worse.

Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution or Denouement What parts of Small as an Elephant would fit into each of these stages of plot?

 A theme is a broad idea or message about life, society, or human nature.  Universal theme shines a light on our common human experiences.  Remember: a subject is not the same thing as a theme. The subject of a story is what the story is about; the theme of a story is a statement, direct or implied, about the subject.

 The Individual against Nature  The Individual against Society  An Individual’s Relation to a Higher Power  The Individual’s Relation to Another Individual  Growing Up  Coming of Age  The Passing of Time  Death  Alienation

 A theme isn’t just a topic that a story is written about—it’s how the story approaches that topic. The theme is the important area that the story explores.  For example: one of the themes in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders is the senselessness of rivalry between different “classes” of people; another is the importance of family.  The topic is class rivalry; the story’s opinion of that topic is that rivalry is pointless.  The topic is family; the story’s opinion is that family is important.

 What were some of the most important themes in Small as an Elephant?