1. Language of Narration and the Aesthetic Date: Objectives
Define, see examples and use the techniques seen in the language of narration and the aesthetic.
Be aware how to write a Leaving Cert standard essay.

2. Before warm-up – why is this important
Narration and the aesthetic – this is the structure of every novel, every play and every poem you come across in your life. It is the core of Leaving Cert English.
Putting the Leaving Cert aside for a second, this is the primary way humans share experiences across the world. How you’ll tell a story to a friend or describe a scene for a partner; these language genres define the way.

3. Warm-up: the tone we’re looking for
The language of narration and the aesthetic are about conveying a story. It is about describing things with rich and beautiful imagery. The more detail, the better.
In pairs, your warm-up task is to write a description of one of the following using all five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch). Your purpose is to make it sound desirable.
A place
A food
An event
(Taste is often the hardest – use memory, simile and what’s in the air)

4. These are the headings we’re examining today
Plot
Method of narration
Setting
Characters
Conflict/ climax
Timeframe
Dialogue

5. Plot – noting this down
The plot encompasses all the events of the story and the sequence in which they occur. It should have:
Introduction: setting, characters and conflict are introduced.
Complication: events occur as result of the conflict.
Climax: the highest point of the conflict.
Conclusion: The resolution of the conflict.
Question to discuss: Can you remember the conflict of a story or play you did for the Junior Cert?

6. Method of narration – question – raise hands
There are many forms of narration, many types of voices, perspectives or views that can be used to tell a story. Can you name some? Raise your hands.

7. Method of narration – note it down.
Who tells the story and how we are supposed see the world is important and worth thinking about.
First-person (I)
Second person (you) (Choose your own adventure books)
Third person (he)
Omniscient (everyone)
Flashbacks, letters, diaries, and strangers too.

8. Setting – think, pair, share
Think for a minute, write with a partner for a minute, share with class.
Why is the setting important? Could you set the same story and characters in inner city Dublin and Bettystown Beach?

9. Setting – note
The manners, customs and ways of life described in the story are all part of the setting. We must think about the geographical setting, time setting and social setting of a story.
Question to discuss: how has being alive in 2017 Drogheda shaped you do you think?

10. Characters - note
Characters have to be realistic and convincing. This is achieved through effective dialogue and description.
Question to discuss:
The most important thing is to have an image of the characters in your head. Easiest way to do this is to cast actors to play the roles. Name a fictional character and WHO would you cast? (Actors, friends, teachers, acquaintances)

11. Dialogue
In order to be convincing, dialogue must be authentic and reveal things THE READER did not know.
5. Timeframe
Does the action take place over days, weeks, months or years? Does this influence the characters?

12. Conflict /climax/ resolution
Conflict is the most essential ingredient of a good story. It will give rise to tension and suspense. How the writer shows this conflict begin, play out and end is the heart of a story.
Question to discuss: Give examples of inner conflicts and external conflicts from movies, t.v. or real life.

13. Techniques: Description
Vivid Imagery: The use of precise vocabulary without exaggeration or waffle is important. Carefully choose your verbs, replacing for example: ‘she says’ with ‘she screams’ or he walked over’ with ‘he bounced over’. Same treatment with adjectives and adverbs then as well.
Similes and Metaphors: Creating comparisons is an excellent way to enhance your descriptions. People often forget to use them with both places and people.

14. Techniques: Description
Evoke 5 senses: To make the story realistic and include the reader in the experience, describe the sights, smells, sounds, how it feels to touch things and even what the character tastes at the time (e.g. smoke from a fire or the meal he just had – don’t lick everything)
Symbolism: Objects that describe the mood of a person or area can be used. Dirty dishes can display depression; a flower can show happiness or a candle hope.

15. Cooldown: What do you see?