Monday, January 4, 2010
Elements of Literature
Conflict
Many stories contain a conflict, or struggle between two opposing forces. In a novel, the conflict is central to the plot, or series of events that make up the story, and involves the main character. The conflict can be internal or external. In an internal conflict, the struggle takes place within the main character. In an external conflict, the struggle is between the main character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or fate. Sometimes, one kind of conflict reflects another. An external conflict can mirror an internal conflict.
Plot
The plot of a novel is the sequence of events. The plot begins with the exposition, which introduces the setting, the main characters, and the conflict. Events that contribute to the conflict (or conflicts) are called the rising action. This action leads to the climax, the emotional high point of the story. Watch for the climax as you read the last chapters of Bridge to Terabithia. Notice howthe falling action, what happens after the climax, leads to the resolution, or final outcome.
Point-of-View
The narrative point of view used in Bridge to Terabithia is called third-person limited.
What kind of person is Jess Aarons? You can learn about his personality and character from whathe says, does, and thinks. You also can gain insight into his character by paying attention to what other characters say about him.
Click here to watch a slide show of pictures from the film.
¶ 12:22 PM 
Conflict
Many stories contain a conflict, or struggle between two opposing forces. In a novel, the conflict is central to the plot, or series of events that make up the story, and involves the main character. The conflict can be internal or external. In an internal conflict, the struggle takes place within the main character. In an external conflict, the struggle is between the main character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or fate. Sometimes, one kind of conflict reflects another. An external conflict can mirror an internal conflict.
Plot
The plot of a novel is the sequence of events. The plot begins with the exposition, which introduces the setting, the main characters, and the conflict. Events that contribute to the conflict (or conflicts) are called the rising action. This action leads to the climax, the emotional high point of the story. Watch for the climax as you read the last chapters of Bridge to Terabithia. Notice howthe falling action, what happens after the climax, leads to the resolution, or final outcome.
Point-of-View
The narrative point of view used in Bridge to Terabithia is called third-person limited.
Revelation of Character (How the reader discovers the personality and motivations of a character.)
What kind of person is Jess Aarons? You can learn about his personality and character from whathe says, does, and thinks. You also can gain insight into his character by paying attention to what other characters say about him.
Click here to watch a slide show of pictures from the film.
