The Short Story Recap
{
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Let’s Review P.A.C.T.S.
P
A
C
T
S
= Plot
= Atmosphere
= Characters
= Themes
= Setting
Moving Mountains
by Shawn Elgby
PLOT:
Introduction
- There is a fire in an apartment.
- We learn about the two brothers, Quinn
(eldest) and Ben (youngest)
Inciting Action:
- The boys are all alone
- It is up to Quinn to save them both
Moving Mountains
Rising Action 1:
- They are trapped. Door is blocked. Window is
jammed and the grate will not open.
Rising Action 2:
- A piece of Ben’s comforter is starting to smoke.
Firefighters come but cannot reach the boys.
Climax:
- Debris falls onto Quinn’s legs, he is trapped
Falling Action:
- Ben tries to help Quinn. Quinn says goodbye to Ben.
Resolution:
- Quinn pushes Ben. Ben falls 18 stories to his death,
rather than burning alive.
Moving Mountains
ATMOSPHERE/SETTING:
Moving Mountains
CHARACTERS:
Quinn
Ben:
Moving Mountains
THEMES:
CourageBrotherly Love-
Moving Mountains
TITLE “Moving Mountains” AS A METAPHOR:
Moving Mountains
IMAGERY:
Visual
“Flames lick the falling piece of charred oak as it crashes on the
soot-stained run.”
Hearing (Onomatopoeia)
“I rattle and shake the living room window…”
Touch
“As the metal burns into my soft flesh. I cry out…”
“a sudden, cool gust of wind seems to speak to me as it flows
through my hair.”
“he sheds hot tears on my already tear-soaked shoulder.”
Moving Mountains
ISSUES:
MoralityValue of Human Life-
Moving Mountains
CONFLICT:
Internal: Man vs. Self
External: Man vs. Nature