Narrative Conventions

Question 1

Define Structure

Answer 1

The structure of a novel or short story means the way in which the whole narrative is built from smaller units or sections.

Question 2

Define Plot and Narrative shape

Answer 2

The plot is the arrangement of story events into an order that generates interest, surprise, suspense and relief. The plot consists of a sequence of events that are casually related (cause and effect relationship linking events together).

Question 3

What are the different Narrative viewpoints?

Answer 3

-Typically third-person omniscient uses ‘He, She, They, It’ and shows what many characters are thinking and feeling.
-Third-person limited uses ‘He, She, They It’ and only sticks to one character’s thoughts and feelings.
-First person uses ‘I’ and ‘We’.
-Second person uses pronoun ‘You’ (less common).

Question 4

Define Style and what are the 3 separate meanings?

Answer 4

The way in which words are used and combined.
1. Level or register of language use: formal, informal or colloquial.
2. Complexity or simplicity of phrases and sentences.
3. The Literary movement the text belongs to.

Question 5

Define Tone

Answer 5

The mood or ‘sound’ of the writing, and conveys an attitude towards the characters, scene or events being described.

Question 6

Define Irony

Answer 6

The real meaning of the words are different from their literal meaning.

Question 7

Define the two different kinds of imagery

Answer 7

1. Depictions of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tactile qualities of the text.
2. Figurative language (e.g. Metaphor) that draws connection between objects, feelings and concepts.

Question 8

How are images important for texts?

Answer 8

-Evokes sense of time and place.
-Contribute to characterisation.
-Help generate atmosphere, tone and mood.
-Links parts of the narrative to create unity.
-Conveys text’s larger themes.