Elements of the Short Story:
The Plot Diagram

The plot diagram is a tool that is commonly used to place a story into the order in which it is
presented.
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The beginning of the plot diagram includes what is know as the exposition. In the exposition, or
the introduction, the reader is introduced to characters in the story, the setting of the story, as
well as the overall idea of the characters’ problems in the story.
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Next, you have what is known as the rising action. Here you see an increase in the driving conflict
of the story, and the problems established in the exposition become more serious.

Following the rising action, you have the climax of the story. This serves as the moment in the
story where the reader sees the turning point.

Once you have witnessed the climax, you have what is known as the falling action. Here the reader
sees what happens to characters once the conflict has run its course.

Finally, you have the resolution. This is essentially where you learn what happens to all of the
previously affected characters, and where the story ends.
Understanding Literary Elements:
Irony

Irony, by definition, is when what you least expect to happen,
actually happens.

There are three types of irony in literature:

Verbal Irony – Where a character says one thing when meaning
another. This is also known as sarcasm. Example: “Yay, another
slide full of notes!”

Dramatic Irony – Where the reader knows something that the
characters in the story don’t know. Example: The death scene in
Romeo and Juliet.

Situational Irony – When what actually happens is the opposite of
what was expected. Example: Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.
Understanding Literary Elements:
Conflict

In literature, there are multiple types of conflict that characters face.

Man vs. Man – Example: Anyone involved in an altercation with another
person.

Man vs. Self – Example: Steve is torn on taking notes. Steve, help Steve make
the right choice!

Man vs. Society – Example: The government, man.

Man vs. Nature – Example: Any natural disaster ever, or something as simple
as snow.

Man vs. Supernatural – Ghosts, or any occurrence that cannot be rationally
explained

Man vs. Technology – Example : The Terminator
Journal Entry : September 10, 2015
 Provide
an example of a young adult novel
that centers its storyline around a
dystopian society.
 What
are noticeable elements that are
found in these novels?
 3-5
sentence response
Utopian Society Traits







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Information, independent thought, and freedom are promoted.
A figurehead or concept brings the citizens of the society together, but
not treated as singular.
Citizens are truly free to think independently.
Citizens have no fear of the outside world.
Citizens live in a harmonious state.
The natural world is embraced and revered.
Citizens embrace social and moral ideals. Individuality and innovation
are welcomed.
The society evolves with change to make a perfect utopian world.
Dystopian Society Traits

Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.

Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.

A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.

Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance.

Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

The natural world is banished and distrusted.

Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad.

The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.
“Harrison Bergeron”
by Kurt Vonnegut
Relevant information about Vonnegut:
 Acclaimed as one of the most satiric writers in the
history of American Literature.
 His short stories / novels deal with reoccurring
themes : war, brutality, and fear of technology.
 During World War II, Vonnegut was kept as a
prisoner of war. His novel, Slaughterhouse Five, is
a fictional retelling of this experience.

Questions:
“Harrison Bergeron”



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Summarize the main conflict in “Harrison Bergeron.” How is the conflict
resolved? How does this resolution help make the story successful?
Climax – What is the climax of the story?
Interpret Theme - What is Vonnegut saying about improving society by
making everyone average? Support your opinion with evidence from the
story.
When Harrison Bergeron is completely free from his handicaps, he
defies the laws of gravity and motion. What might Vonnegut be
suggesting about the potential of free human beings?
Describe two elements from the story that categorizes it as a dystopian
work. Provide examples from the text.
Journal Entry : September 14, 2015
Jonathan Edwards & The Great
Awakening

Jonathan Edwards is considered by many to be the greatest theologian and
philosopher of British-American Puritanism.

Being that Jonathan was the son of two ministers/pastors, it was more of a
birthright that brought him to ministry.

After a very religiously rigorous home life, Edwards began studying his calling
at Yale University at the age of 13. He stayed around New York for 10 years,
earning his M.A. by the age of 23.

He married his wife Sarah Pierrepont, and they had 11 children.

Edwards hit the peak of his ministry during the time of The Great Awakening
(1740-42). He travelled along side George Whitefield and Gilbert Tennent, and
provided messages that were often “messages of terror,” such as “Sinners in
the Hands of an Angry God” (1741).
Continued

In 1750, Edwards was removed from his own congregation due to a change in
beliefs over time. Is inconsistency was believed to have happened by simply
“falling out of direct contact with God,” and “having too much personal
interpretation of the word.”