Narration

During Friday's class, we began our next mode of discourse: the narrative. There are 5 factors to consider when analyzing and writing narratives. First, every narrative should be centered around a theme. For instance, "Coming to an Awareness" focuses on how education creates empowerment through the experiences of Malcolm X and his time in jail. Second, narratives must consider how to use time, whether for chronological, linear progression or for the manipulation of plot via flashbacks and flashforwards (a word I first heard used in Funny Farm long ago). Third, narratives revolve around characters with the protagonist the most important one. Remember, you want to be selective with whom you place in your story. Fourth, narratives allow one to incorporate dialogue. However, dialogue should be used sparingly and for specific, memorable commentary. Fifth, imagery remains a holdover from descriptive writing. The best stories take the reader into the setting and allow him/her to meet the characters and become part of the plot.

For Tuesday's class, make sure to read "Only Daughter" and prepare responses to the five narrative questions. You will discussing this narrative for participation points, so make sure you are ready to speak.

I hope you have enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. I had the opportunity to visit iheartfink's atelier this weekend and try on a few looks from her runway show. And before you point out my lack of capitalization in the previous sentence, the brand is not capitalized and it is all one word!

And, I did put in the extra credit points. You may want to look at your grades in the next few days as many more assignments will be added into the mix and the grade will inevitably drop to a more realistic number.