Modes/Methods of Development in Writing

Transcription

1 Modes/Methods of Development in Writing Narrative Narrative is an abundant term: a narrative can be short or long, factual or imagined; it can instruct or inform, or simply divert or regale. In longer writing, a narrative is usually just a portion of the writing, meant to reinforce the greater point of the writing. Purpose: to tell a story about your subject; Possibly to entertain possibly to enlighten or to explain Possible to persuade. Helps the reader understand through the evidence of their senses-sight, hearing, touch, etc. Try to create a dominant impression(s)-a mood(s) 1

2 Dominant Impression: Fear Color Location Time Object/Symbol Sound Dominant Impression: Fear Color Location Time Object/Symbol Sound Black Abandoned warehouse Midnight Spider Creaking stairs Gray Cemetery Dusk A rusty blade Whispering Red Mental Institution 3 a.m. A footprint Howling The woods A broken lightbulb Dripping water The Process Purpose and Shape: a narrative must have a point or it is irritating (consider the ramblings of a child ). Most narratives do not have a THESIS STATEMENT, but they do have a thesis. The actions and descriptions themselves lead the reader to realize the thesis at the conclusion. Should be centered around some sort of conflict. DON T KNOW THE TYPES OF CONFLICTS? WELL, THEN ASK ME! 2

3 The Seven Conflicts 1.Man vs. man 2.Man vs. self 3.Man vs. society 4.Man vs. technology 5.Man vs. nature 6.Man vs. deity/fate 7.Man vs. supernatural/extraterrestrial The narrator (point of view) in the story may be: A subjective first-person narrator. Or A narrator may choose to recount the story in third person. If fiction, you may choose to be a third-person objective, limited, or omniscient narrator. Choice of verb tense: Present tense (I.e.: Peering out her window, a woman spies a man ) Pro: can lend a sense of immediacy Con: Can seem artificial because we are not used to it, and it is difficult to sustain throughout an entire narrative. Past tense (I.e.: After she peered out her window, a woman saw a man ) Pro: Still powerful and easier to maintain. Con: Can seem a bit removed. *Either way, do not shift tenses! 3

4 What to Emphasize To make sure to tell the story completely, as yourself the journalistic inquiries: What happened? Who took part? When? Where? Why did the event(s) take place? How did it (they) happen? Remember, always offer as much detail concerning these as possible, and make sure they help you achieve your purpose. Two ways to narrate Narrate a scene: visualize each event vividly and precisely; don t mention people, portray them; recall or invent dialogue (Imagery!). Narrate a summary: relate events concisely; set down essentials; *Best idea: use both in a single narrative; don t reduce everything to of equal importance. Pacing! To decide which, ask yourself What is crucial for my purpose versus what do I need simply to progress the plot? Organization Consider your purpose and then organize Chronologically - for simplicity s sake In medias res - to capture reader s attention with an exciting action. Using flashbacks Use transitions in time: I.e.: seven years later so you do not lose your audience. 4

5 Reflective Narrative Purpose: Describe an experience Reveal personal change Differences: Focus and emphasis Similarities: Stylistic strategies Purpose & narrator Easy to follow Reflective Narrative Points to Remember: Organization: Linear or result, then flashback Include only important elements Pacing Building reflections Include: background, plot, characters, setting, and conflict Reflective Narrative Structure Introduction: Entrance into the scene The incident The thesis Example: The entrance is underlined, establishing tone is bolded, and significance is italicized Glasses say a lot about people. Don t get me wrong, the following essay may falsely induce the belief that I m a poindexter social outcast. This is not true. I m a poindexter social incast. The deterioration of my sight mandated the incessant use of my glasses, resulting in their eventual customization. Through a fortuitous turn of events, my glasses, once ordinary, began reflecting my personality with a style unique to me. 5

6 Body: Entry into part of the event Relevant details Pacing Elements that precipitate reflection The close ups are underlined and reflection is bolded While most mothers have pretty sharp hearing, my mother possesses a mild version of sonar. But what she gains from hearing, she loses in eyesight. Simply put, she s bind as a bat. My father is just the opposite, with eagle vision and a lack of hearing that has continually increased the volume of family conversations. I myself was lucky enough to receive my mother s keen eyesight, and my father s acute sense of hearing. My sense of hearing has always been lame, but my eyes have continued to decline in function. Whereas I used to wear my glasses on occasion, I found myself wearing them more and more often. The consequent wear and tear never really crossed my mind.... Conclusion: Reflection and feelings (The echo is underlined, reflection is bolded, cohesion elements are italicize, and MEANINGFUL REPETITION IS IN ALL CAPS.) I like the new look and provide those who wish to join my crusade with high-quality tape free of charge. I hope that people will someday realize being anti-stylish can be equally stylish. NO MORE BARE MIDRIFTS, TUBE-TOPS, OR OTHER HOOTCHIE SHORTS for the ladies; if they want attention, all they have to do is customize their glasses. 6