A narrative is a story which
include several important
elements
PLOT
A series of events that make up the
framework of a story.
 Exposition:
When the characters
and setting (time/place) are
exposed to the reader.
 Rising
Action: When the conflict
or problems begin
PLOT
continued

Climax: The turning point in the
story—usually the most intense or
exciting part. The place in the story
where things can not ever go back to
how they were in the beginning of
the story.
Anticlimax

- Like
a climax, an anticlimax
is the turning point in a story.
However, an anticlimax is
always a letdown. It’s the
point at which you learn the
story will not turn out as you
expected.
 Falling
Action and Resolution:
This usually comes directly after the
climax and the conflict is resolved
(either happily or unhappily)
Setting: The time and place of
a story
Point of View: The vantage
point from which a writer
tells a story (first or third
person)
 A lesson to be learned or insight
into human nature. A moral.
What the author wants you to
learn after reading the story.
FORESHADOWING
 The way an author provides hints to
upcoming events in the story
Protagonist: The main
character in the story
Antagonist: The character or
force who goes against the
protagonist
CHARACTER TYPES
Dynamic: One who changes
emotionally by the end of the
story.
Static: One who remains the
same.
CHARACTER TYPES
 STOCK:
A stereotyped
character
“The typical coach, teacher,
cheerleader, etc.
CONTEXT

The parts of the environment
(physical, historical, etc.) that
surround something such as a
word, passage, or work of art and
can throw light on its meaning.

Historical Context: The environment of
people that surrounds something's
creation or intended audience.
Social Context: Reflects how people
around something use and interpret it. It
influences how something is viewed.
Symbol

Anything that stands for
or represents both itself and
something else.

Example: The American flag is
literally a piece of red, white, and
blue cloth; however, it represents our
freedom
“Everyday Use” page 109

Do you think family heirlooms are
important? Do you think you have
anything you’d like to pass on to future
generations?

PURPOSE: What is the writer saying
about heritage in this selection? How
does the author portray the quilt to
advance the central message about
life? How is the quilt symbolic?
“Everyday Use” page 109

Assignment: This story illustrates two
different interpretations of heritage and
culture. Specifically, the quilts have
significant meaning to both Dee and
Maggie—yet the interpretations are quite
different. In a two paragraph miniessay, discuss how the quilts have
symbolic meaning to both girls and
provide at least one direct citation in
each paragraph to support your
discussion.
Essay Planning

Any time you are analyzing a literary
device (symbol), you should define it
or describe it before discussing it
from the story.

Symbols are used in literature to
represent meaning of another
element portrayed throughout…
Paragraphs that Analyze
Literature
K – Key point from the thesis statement
 E – Evidence (piece of evidence #1)
 A – Analysis of the Evidence
 T – Transition to piece of evidence #2
 E – Evidence (piece of evidence #2)
 A – Analysis of the Evidence
 L – Link back to the topic sentence or
thesis statement

Each paragraph should focus on one
of the characters (Dee & Maggie)
K – Key point from the thesis statement
(this can also be your topic sentence for a
supporting paragraph)
The quilt is important to Maggie and
symbolizes the significance of family
traditions that should be cherished.

E – Evidence (piece of evidence )
For example, the quilt is comprised of
articles of clothing past family
members had worn or made. It is
understood that such quilts are to be
passed down to future generations.

A – Analysis of the Evidence (the
citation from the text to support your
main point and an analysis of what that
quotation means )
When Maggie hears her sister asking
for the quilt, she “slams the door
shut after leaving the room” (110).
This indicates Maggie’s feelings
about the quilt and how she wants…

T – Transition to piece of evidence #2
However, even though Maggie feels
she is entitled to the quilt, she tells
her mother, “Go ahead and give Dee
the quilt…” (113). She does this
because…