Unit 3: Ficiton


Key Skills in English


2. Mapping the Plot To ensure that you understand the shape of the plot of any text you have studied, you should create a ‘map’ of the sequence of events and label each stage clearly.


Climax


Exposition BEGINNING D. Theme


1. The Central Idea in Fiction A theme is a central idea that provides the inspiration for a plot. A short story normally develops one theme, whereas a novel may have several themes. Temes may focus on such things as prejudice, war, love, loyalty, ambition, etc. Most aspects of human life can provide the writer with a theme on which to base a plot. Temes provide a springboard for the plot and give meaning to the lives and relationships of the characters.


You should be able to answer the following questions about themes:


■ How does the theme emerge from the actions and dialogue of the characters? You should be able to trace a theme or themes from beginning to end.


■ How do the major events bring out the theme? ■ How does the setting contribute to the theme? Examine the setting carefully, aſter you have identified the theme, and ask yourself if the setting has an important role to play in bringing out the theme.


■ How does the language and imagery contribute to the theme? Descriptive details and specific word choice can indicate or highlight the theme. Be on the lookout for language which appeals to the senses and examine any symbols or other images to see how they influence the theme.


Read this extract as an example of how a theme can be traced through a narrative extract. It is taken from the novel Remembrance by Teresa Breslin. Francis, a soldier, is writing to his friend Maggie. In this letter he shares with her his experiences of the trenches of World War 1.


My dear Maggie, 112


We came up from our rest billet the other night to relieve the troops in the front lines. I swear the times of our movements must be known to our enemies for they shelled the road as soon as we began, and stopped immediately we reached the communications trenches. We left the road at once and crawled through an orchard and some pigpens to reach our destination by another route. It seems incredible, but among this devastation the trees here are beginning to


MIDDLE END


Resolution


Conflict


Rising Action


Falling Action


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