English & American

Literature
LECTURER: CALUM LEATHAM UNIT 2
Todays Seminar
Part 1 Part 2

Short Story Plot Focus Group Work

Theory: Plot
Focus Group Presentation
P&P Plot Analysis
Short Story
Prepare and remind yourself of the short story you selected (If you
did not find one then select one from the Hand Book’s chapter on
Plot):
1. Describe the plot of your short story to your group.
2. Share your overall thoughts on the short story.
Plot
What is ‘plot’?
Plot is the ‘backbone’ of a story, focusing on purposeful &
structured sequences of events (Not everything has to be
shown).
The methods used by the author to control the order of
events in a story.
Plot is the author’s arrangement of incidents in a story (not
everything has to be in order).
Plot: Order
Does a plot have to begin at the start of the event?
Linear Plot (Chronological Order):
The stories events unfold in a straightforward, chronological sequence from beginning
to end.
Example: The Prince and the Pauper

In Medias Res (In the Middle of Things):

The story begins in the middle of the action, and earlier events are revealed through
flashbacks or exposition.
This technique captures the reader's attention by starting with a compelling moment.
Example: Star Wars – A New Hope (1997)
Nonlinear Plot:
 The story doesn't play out in the usual order. Jumps
around, events out of sequence, flashbacks or glimpses into
the future.
often used to keep you on the edge of your seat, slowly
revealing details for suspense, or giving you a peek into
what went down in the characters' pasts.
Example: Video Game – Beyond Two Souls
Episodic Plot
The story is divided into loosely connected episodes or
chapters, each with its own mini-plot.
The central characters may encounter different challenges
or adventures in each episode.
 Many TV-shows follow this structure. Example: 90s Sitcom
- Friends.
Plots: Discussion

What do most plots contain?

Discuss with each other the contains of most movies
you have seen (such as characters).
 Plot Contents:
1. Exposition: The introduction of the main characters, setting, and initial situation. This provides background information necessary
for understanding the story.
2. Protagonist(s), Main Character(s) or Hero: The main character around whom the story revolves. The protagonist is usually the
one facing the central conflict and is often the character with whom the audience sympathizes or roots for.
3. Conflict: The central struggle or problem that the main characters must face. It is the driving force behind the plot, creating
tension and propelling the narrative forward. Most if not all stories should have one.
4. Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating obstacles and conflict. The antagonist serves as
opposition (antagonistic force) to the protagonist's goals.
5. Rising Action: A series of events, leading to the main character's development and the escalation of the central conflict. This is
where the story gains momentum.
6. Climax: The highest point of tension in the story, often the turning point where the protagonist faces a critical decision or
confrontation. The climax is a pivotal moment that determines the outcome of the conflict.
7. Falling Action: The events that follow the climax, where the story begins to wind down. Loose ends are tied up, and the characters
deal with the consequences of the climax.
8. Denouement (Resolution): The final outcome or conclusion of the story. It provides closure to the narrative, revealing the fate of
the characters and addressing the main conflict.
 Plot Contents: Extra
1. Foreshadowing: Hints or clues provided by the author early in the story about future events.
Foreshadowing creates anticipation and prepares the audience for upcoming developments.
2. Suspense: The quality of the story that keeps readers or viewers eagerly anticipating what will
happen next. Suspense is often heightened by uncertainty and a desire to see how the conflict will
be resolved.
3. Plot in Service of Theme: The plot functions as a vehicle to explore and communicate the story's
overarching theme or central message. The events and conflicts in the plot are carefully crafted to
reinforce and illuminate the underlying ideas or values the author wishes to convey.
4. (Internal and External Conflict):
1. External conflict is the protagonists struggle another character, society, nature, or any external obstacle.
Often these conflicts are perceptible and involve visible struggles (Think: Man Vs Bear).
2. Internal conflict refers to the psychological or emotional struggle that a character faces within themselves.
It is a conflict between their thoughts, feelings, values, or desires. (Think: used to be the best cop but
accidently shot a child now scared to use a gun to save the world).
The Prince and the Pauper
Background of Book:
"The Prince and the Pauper" is a historical fictional novel written by Mark Twain, published in
1881.
The book is Mark Twain’s first attempt at historical fiction after Twain (an American) travelled
Europe and was inspired by English and French History. The story is set in 16th-century England
during the reign of King Henry VIII – a real English King.
While it is a work of fiction, it is inspired by real characters from English History, such as King
Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. However, other characters in the book, like Tom Canty, are
fictional and created by Twain.
Who is Mark Twain?
Samuel Langhorne Clemens – Pen Name Mark
Twain – 19th Century American Writer.
 Could be described as the “Farther of American
Literature”
Politically – Supported the end of Slavery in
America, Women’s rights, Supporter of Civil Rights,
Anti-Racist.
 Anti-religious, Anti-war, Anti-Imperial.
A supporter of Labor movements and the lower-
classes.
The Prince and the Pauper: Plot
Setting:
16th-century England during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Characters:
Tom Canty: A destitute boy living in Offal Court.
Edward VI: The Prince of Wales and heir to the throne.
The Prince and the Pauper: Plot
Inciting Incident:
Tom and Edward decide to switch places momentarily, leading to a series of events that alter the course of their lives.
Conflict:
The central conflict involves Tom and Edward navigating the challenges of each other's worlds – Tom struggling with royal duties, and
Edward facing the harsh realities of poverty.
Rising Action:
Both boys encounter unique challenges in their new roles, shedding light on the stark social disparities of the time. John Canty one of
the antagonist take the king and force him to steal for him. Lord Hetford (the other antagonist) discovers the switch and sends out
the captain to kill the real king.
Climax:
The real Edward and Tom try to convince the Royal Court that he is the real king by trying to remember where the royal seal was hid.
Resolution:
The story concludes with the reunification of the boys to their rightful places. Tom is given a secure location in the courts away from
the abuses of poverty while Edward learned more about the people in England he must protect.
The Prince and the Pauper: Themes
Social Injustice: The plot explores the stark contrast
between the lives of the rich and the poor, shedding
light on societal inequalities.
Identity and Empathy: Through the switch, the
characters gain insights into each other's lives,
fostering empathy and understanding.
Corruption of Wealth: Lord Hetford can be seen as a
parallel for the corruption of wealth and power.
American Hero (Movie): Despite the movie setting
the plot in England, they introduce stereotypical
American action hero
Focus Group:
 Form your group of up to 5 Students and discuss your ideas on The Prince and the Pauper
 Read the document for the list of questions and pick at least 5 of them to discuss in your
presentation.
 You have 30 minutes to prepare your presentation. 1-2 groups will be selected at random to
give the presentation.
Every group must follow the instructions on the form and send their presentation to Linh and
the Google drive to be marked later.
Assignments
 Read through the Focus Group 3 document for Thursdays Lecture.
 Read all the files on Realism vs Naturalism.
 Read through the short story South of the Slot by Jack London.