November 1, 2011period 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

Ac

tion

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

Ac

tion

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

How do I find a theme? 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?