Narratives

Points to consider:
Before you start writing, you must think of a suitable story outline, then decide on a detailed plot, including : the beginning of the story Who the characters will be (see describing people) Where it will take place + descriptive techniques = setting the scene

The order of events Use a variety of PAST TENSES: The wind was howling as he entered the room, briefly looked around and noticed that the person he was looking for had already left that place. You can use present tenses ONLY IN DIALOGUES , using Direct Speech The sequence of events is important; therefore you must use time words: Before, after, then, in the beginning, later, in the end, until, while, during, finally.

Scheme of the narrative

Introduction P 1 set the scene (who, what, when, where) Main Body P 2, 3, 4 develop the story (describe incidents leading up to the main event and the event itself in detail; describe people, place, emotions and actions) Conclusion Final P end the story (complete the plot, describe feelings/ reactions; explain the consequences)

EXEMPLIFYING: Write an introduction to a narrative in which you discover that your house has been broken into. Plan your introduction. Write a list of the adjectives and adverbs you would use. Exercise 3 / 29 (Successful Writing Proficiency) The Visitor A cold feeling of shock gripped me as I stared at the splintered, shattered wood of my front door. The lock hung, twisted out of shape, having been forced violently apart, and I felt my pulse quicken as I noticed that my door was ajar. Scarcely breathing, I pushed it lightly with my fingertips and it swung open with the slightest groan. Inside, the house was deathly silent. I tiptoed down the hall, peering into the rooms on either side. They stared blankly back at me, deserted and unchanged, revealing nothing. There were no burglars still inside, or so it seemed. As far as I could see, there was nothing missing. I heaved a sigh of relief at finding my precious collection of crystal untouched., and my heartbeat slowed as my initial shock subsided. Somebody had certainly broken in. but why? *A. List the events referred to in each paragraph. 1. Writer returns. Door broken. 2. 3. 4. *B. Underline the words/ phrases which describe or suggest the emotions listed below: 1. shock/ fear. 2. fear / apprehension 3. relief 4. uncertainty / surprise

Homework: Continue the story in 200 words, creating an outline at first.

Writing Techniques & Devices

1. Setting the scene: vivid description is essential for catching the readers attention. To describe the setting, you may use details involving the senses to suggest a particular atmosphere (lapping waves, soft sand = peaceful atmosphere). When you describe people or actions, you may use vivid description of emotions, mannerisms, etc to suggest a particular mood (Stunned, she sat down shakily and buried her face in her hands = shock, grief) 2. A dramatic beginning arrests the readers attention and makes them want to keep on reading. Therefore, you should use one of the following techniques: - sudden / exciting action - description of strong emotions - use of direct speech + a variety of adjectives - RHETORICAL QUESTION - QUOTATION - ADDRESSING THE READER DIRECTLY the easiest and most handy - creating an atmosphere of mystery / suspense by describing a strange character / a dangerous, dynamic situation
EXEMPLIFYING: 1. Set the scene for a narative taking place in the morning, in an extremely hot climate, insisting on your description of the climate. 2. 2. Compare your writing with the following excerpt. 3. Underline all references to the senses, and the words / phrases describing emotions. The cool of the morning turned quickly to scorching heat as the sun rose higher and began to beat down relentlessly. Dr McLintock took off his cardigan while he and his two companions continued to trudge up the slope towards the village. The smell of parched earth and dry scrub filled the doctors nostrils, and the heat of the stony track burned the soles of his feet through his thin shoes. Apart from the occasional call of a bird and the strained breathing of the three men there was absolute silence. Oppressed by the monotony of the barren African landscape, the doctor turned to Michael and sighed, Is it much further?Then he looked at Grideons and Michaels anxious faces and added gently, I/m sure shell be all right

Inversion
Some words, especially adverbs of frequency and time words / phrases, are followed by INVERSION when they are sued at the beginning of a sentence. E.g. Jamie had never imagined that he would find himself in such a situation. Never had Jamie imagined that he would find himself in such a situation. The words / phrases followed by inversion are NEGATIVE IN MEANING: Never (before/ again), No sooner, No longer, Nowhere

Not often, Not always, Not only.(but also) Seldom/ Rarely = not often Hardly ever / anywhere = almost never / nowhere Not until, Not before Only when = not until / before; Only if = not unless E.g. No sooner had I stepped under the shower that the doorbell rang. Not only was I exhausted, but also extremely hungry.
* Notice that Not until / before and Only if / when are followed by inversion in the second part of the sentence. E.g. Not until it grew dark did they stop searching for the missing man.

Homework: Create 2 sentences with each item. Practice inversion. 10 / 42 Successful Writing Proficiency

Flashback narration:
narrative sequence does not always follow the chronological sequence of events. You may choose to begin with a particular (usually dramatic) event, and then use flashback narration to describe the events up to this point (usually in past Perfect, since they are set further in the past than another point in the past or than your narrative proper), before continuing with the rest of the story. Some narrative writing tasks tell you to begin your story with a given sentence which often suggests clearly that another important event has already taken place: in such cases you must use flashback narration.

Some writers like to use the flashback technique. This means there is a shift in the narrative to an earlier event that interrupts the usual chronological order of the story. The flashback can occur at any part of the narrative. Look at the sample extracts below to see how the flashback technique can be used. Sample A
The man, seated on the bench in the park, looked old and haggard. Silent tears trickled down his cheeks as he thought of his wife, Jennifer and his two children. He wondered if he would ever be reunited with them. The thought of Jennifer reminded him of his college days. He had been the most popular student in university. He had been like a Greek God with a well-sculpted body and features that even men had envied. Every girl had admired him openly but Jack had only been interested in Jennifer. Upon graduation, Jack had been hired by a leading accounting firm while Jennifer had joined a private university.

He smiled as he remembered how beautiful his bride had been on their wedding day. In fact, everyone had commented that they were a perfect match. Both had worked hard and they had flourished in their respective careers. In the extract above, the introductory paragraph focuses on the main character. Notice that he is sad as he reflects on his fate. The last line of this paragraph tells us that he is going to reflect on previous events that led to his sad condition. The flashback technique is used by linking the last line of the first paragraph to the second paragraph where the character reflects on events that had happened during his youth. Do pay attention to the use of the simple past tense in the first paragraph and the past perfect tense as the character reflects on his life.

Flashback narration further examples

Which techniques have been used in the following samples of beginnings and endings? Beginnings

A It was a normal Friday afternoon in the sleepy village of Lishwood and I had gone to the bank as usual to withdraw some
money from my account so that I could pay for my grocery shopping. How was I to know that Id be enduring the most frightening experience of my life in only a few minutes time?

B I just knew I shouldnt have gone out that Friday afternoon. Id had a strange feeling all morning, a feeling that something
was going to happen, but I told myself, Dont be stupid, Ida, you and your funny feelings! Pull yourself together and go and get the groceries. So I did, and youll never guess what happened!

C You know how someone feels when he is about to pay for his grocery shopping and finds his wallet is almost empty.
Mumbling a poor excuse I headed for the bank, not prepared at all for what I was going to experience there.

Endings

1 As I entered the grocers I felt strangely uneasy. It was then that I heard a sharp voice hissing: This is a robbery! 2 As I was walking back to the grocers I kept thinking of what had happened minutes before. Slowly I opened the door, only
to come face to face with two armed masked men. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place. I thought before I fainted.

3 would you be prepared to experience the same thing twice in less than an hour? I wasnt, but I had no choice when, on
opening the grocers door, I came face to face with two masked men.

The patient in Ward 4 lay comatose on the white sheets. The nurse walked in, according to schedule, to monitor her condition. The doctors were baffled. The operation had been a success but the patient had not regained consciousness. It was as though she had sunk into nothingness. Unknown to them, her mind was like a television screen with images from her past flashing across her mind. She saw herself laughing happily as she ran across the field, the retrieved kite in her hand. She was about thirteen, and just learning how to manipulate situations to her advantage. She had fooled her mother and teachers into believing that she was not the perpetrator of the fight, but rather the victim. Like a Cheshire cat, she had smiled wickedly at the punishment her poor classmates had been subjected to. How is she? Is there any chance of her recovering?

Ah, the sweet voice of her colleague, Jane. Unlike

If only they had known that I had been the one who had

her, Jane was kind and forgiving. Jane never held grudges. There was not an ounce of jealousy in her. Unconsciously, her mind went back to the past. There had been nine of them, and her poor mother had had a tough time making ends meet. In her desire to break away from the vicious grip that poverty held over them, she had thrown all scruples into the air. Her mother had pleaded with her to change her ways but to no avail. If you dont change now, you never will. I regret that you are my child! You are a wicked child. Her mothers stinging words had been like honey to her then but now as she lay on the bed, these same words hurt her immensely. Her mother had never forgiven her and maybe that was one reason for her unbearable pain. At the workplace, she had played the game well. On the surface, it had appeared that she genuinely cared for her colleagues She had showered them with gifts on numerous occasions to cloud their eyes and minds. Even her boss had been taken in by her deceitful ways. Oh, how she had plotted and plodded the downfall of her colleagues who had stood in her way. She had learnt early in life to brag about her work to the bosses and to take credit for what others had done. If ever there was a hypocrite, she had been the one. Underneath the overflowing sugary sweetness, had been a vicious, malicious, vindictive human being. The prone figure on the bed suddenly smiles.

been reporting everything to the boss every morning. All those expensive gifts for the boss and the snitching had not gone to waste. She had been promoted, and many others sidelined. Of course, at times, when she had least expected it, her true colours had emerged. She had used her laser tongue to hurt and belittle those who did not worship her. At such times, she had gained immense satisfaction knowing that she had hurt them but now she realised that she was hurting far more than them. Her pain was tenfold more than theirs. The tracheostomy tube hurt her immensely. Where were her friends now? None of them had come to visit her after the first visit. She flinches in pain as she remembers their parting words: She deserves all this suffering! I am unconscious but am not deaf. Every single word had pierced her heart like a thousand arrows. She realises that her friends had merely tolerated her despicable behaviour. Even her husband had left her. Alvin had been the perfect man for her. He was rich and he had well-heeled relatives. By marrying him, she had elevated her status. Oh, how she had enjoyed showing off her wealth and connections. Alvin had fulfilled her every need. He had given her money whenever she needed it. She had taken his quiet nature to mean submissiveness. How wrong she had been! One day, he had sprung the most unexpected surprise on her.

Flashback narration

3Im leaving, Tess.

He had walked out on her, on their marriage of twenty-five years without a word. He had been the perfect husband, the perfect father. He had come home like clockwork at ten every night after a tiring day at work. He had spent every weekend and every holiday with his family. She finally learnt that all these years when she thought he was busy attending to his business, he had been spending time with his mistress. Not once had she suspected him of such infidelity. Even her children had forsaken her in her time of need. She had meddled in their affairs, whether it was at school or at work. They blamed her for everything that had gone wrong in their lives. Rightfully so, she admits to herself. The nurse walks in briskly, looks at the patient and records all her vital signs. She heaves a sigh and walks out quietly. She wonders how long the patient will remain in this vegetable state.

4This world is funny. Surprisingly, the one person who visits

her every week without fail is Jane. Why, Jane? Why? I was nasty to you, to say the least. I had hurt most of your relationships at work. I had bad-mouthed you to everyone. Yet, you visit me, even though I am lying here like a vegetable. This is retribution. Maybe that is why I am hurting all the more. She realises how magnanimous Jane has been. Janes actions prove that she is gracious while her own actions have been mean and begrudging. She realises, too late, how heartless and insensitive she had been. Please forgive me, Jane. She struggles to utter these words, but none of her muscles move. She realises that it is too late for regrets.

Task: Now think of how you could use flashback narration in describing a recent visit to a place that used to be and still is symbolic of your childhood. Could you use flashback narration/ How? When? What feelings would you write about? Compare with the following samples.

Sample and analysis White, E.B. Once More to the Lake 1999
Reference: Reading is Fundamental, Essay Info Free narrative essay: Once More to the Lake

February 11th, 2010Once more to the Lake is an essay written by E.B. in which the author tries to establish the links of his present life with his past experiences when he was a little boy. The essay starts as a father and son go to the lake, which was a favorite place for camping and fishing of the father when he was a child. The father is full of expectations as the lake symbolizes his youth ages and the most careless period of his life. So the decision to go fishing again on this lake may be regarded as an attempt to return childhood or at least to return childhood impressions and memories. The father is depressed and it obvious while reading the beginning where he describes the lake of his childhood and the same lake during his elder years: It was like the revival of an old melodrama that I had seen long ago with childish awe. The main reason for such kind of depression is the fact that he is not able to return his childhood and the fact that he is getting older as he is not able to remember all moments of joy on the lake. Another important detail which is mentioned by the author is that the lake also had changed since the last time he was there. In childhood years it was nearly a virgin lake, with wildlife and absence of any kind of good roads to it. Now the lake had changed: The lake had never been what you would call a wild lake. There were cottages sprinkled around the shores, and it was in farming although the shores of the lake were quite heavily wooded Such attitudes show that the changes which happened to the lake and changes which affected the author: the lake is no longer wild it also makes him to understand that he is no longer a teenager, but a grown up with his own personal life, children and responsibilities. He understands that probably the impressions from this trip will be different as he is longer a child for whom the camping was the greatest event of the year. But nevertheless he is very attached to those memories and the use of same in the description of the lake only proves it.

The description of new experiences shows that the father is not able to accept new changes and adopt them. It become a hard a trial for himself. At this episodes we observe the idea of dual personality, as the reality which he has to perceive is different from his inner world and from his expectations and hopes. Besides, his expectations start to be ruined by the different attitude of the son to the lake trip. E.B. White thought his on would act the same as h did when he was a child and that for his son the trip to the lake would mean exactly the same as it meant for him. But his son considers the trip to be a usual camping on the lake event and sees nothing special in it. Father makes analogies between the behavior and attitude of his son of himself in childhood and sees that they are very different. The author also looked forward summer camping and it turned into a certain kind of ritual to fish on the lake and simply stay in camping. Its clear while we read the description of the lake and pieces of his memories from the past. Now it changed. Authors son doesnt want to get up earlier to go fishing as fishing is considered to be a regular hobby not something charming and special. Author sees some kind of indifference in the eyes of his son and feels that everything had changed. He understands that he became a grown-up and his childhood is left only in his heart and in his mind. Childhood had transformed into simple memories of the past and that it became very private thing. Such feeling is very usual for people who return to the places which are associated with good memories, moments of happiness, joy and pleasure but instead of positive emotions people often feel nostalgia and unexplained melancholy. The author feels the same on the lake as the lake is probably the only symbol left from his childhood: The only thing that was wrong now, really, was the sound of the place, an unfamiliar nervous sound of the outboard motors. This was the note that jarred, the one thing that would sometimes break the illusion and set the years moving. In those other summertimes, all motors were inboard; and when they were at a little distance, the noise they made was a sedative, an ingredient of summer sleep. The culmination of the essay is very optimistic and positive for the author. The author describes the thunderstorm over the lake: The second-act climax of the drama of the electrical disturbance over a lake in America had not changed in any important respect. This was the big scene, still the big scene. The whole thing was so familiar, the first feeling of oppression and heat and a general air around camp of not wanting to go very far away.

Further practice working with character(s) and feelings

Free narrative essay: A lesson learned irreversible verdict. I only could respond in my mind: How funny, here we have two people who cannot in A lesson learned I wonder, is it at all possible to principle understand each other. The realization of learn harsh lessons of our life? Indeed, in most spheres this killed in me all desire to engage into mutual of human activity we can hope to take our previous accusations, and made me feel fully implicated in this mistakes into consideration and avoid them in the unpleasant situation. future. But concerning human feelings, is it right to blame ourselves if it turns out that we had made a Now that time has passed, I of course remember well mistake by sincerely investing a part of us into a wrong the emotional turmoil that accompanied me after our person who has lead us into the devastating emotional break-up. But while being perhaps less naive now, I am state? And can we avoid such mistakes in the future no longer too pessimistic. Yes, as I have said before, it without becoming desensitized? Confusion over these is a daunting task to learn all lessons of our life because questions constitutes the kaleidoscope of my memory we tend to forget them. But if we manage to leave a of Kim, the relationship with whom ended with the trace of our emotional experiences, then probably we shattering argument over one of the most important can overcome even arguments without the principal questions what is the nature of commitment between solution. Well, this is exactly what I have tried to do, man and woman? and while I think that ordering of human emotions may dissolve the essence of human experience, I believe How fitting was her glowing red pullover when she that it is necessary to turn our experiences into words blazed up in response to my question about whether that represent them as close as possible, so that we and she had spent the Saturday`s night at the Chicago Blues others could relive them upon reading. Club and had left with Craig: You better care about your own leisure as mine is definitely much cuter! This phrase was the last one between us as a couple, Source: Reading is Fundamental, February 3rd, 2010 and, truly, care about your own whatever is probably the epitome of the fundamental problem that any couple face in one way or another. I am even grateful to Kim for such an exact formulation. Despite the great time that we had together, this ending of our relationship was in no need of talk. Earlier, when we had petty quarrels words channeled negative emotions, but this time words suddenly turned into the

Tasks: Successful Writing, by Virginia Evans:

1. Write a story that begins or ends with the words: It had all been a case of mistaken identity. - what sort of narrative (mystery, adventure, human drama, etc) does the title suggest to you? - would you use flashback narration? - does the topic require specialised knowledge? - suggest a possible plot. 2. Write a story entitled The locked Door. - what sort of narrative does the story suggest to you? - what techniques would you use to begin / end your essay? Would you use flashback narration? - what time words / phrases would you use? - suggest a possible plot.

Olympiad subjects:
1. Write a narrative composition beginning like this: It was very late. John couldnt see because it was dark. He was afraid (local stage, 2003) 2. Write a story ending like this: How could I have been so wrong? he wondered (local stage, 2004) 3. Beginning: All of a sudden, it slipped out of her hand and was gone for ever (local stage 2005) 4. Write a narrative essay which begins with the sentence: Whos there?, I asked, in a sleepy voice and heading to the door and ends with the sentence: And there I sat, 2000 miles away from home, six months later. (country stage, 2003) 5. Write a narrative on an event of some historical value in your family. (local stage, 2007) 6. Write a narrative essay with the following thesis: Learning something new can be a scary experience (country stage 2005) 7. Write an essay beginning: Life is full of surprises. I woke up one morning and found I could make myself invisible at will. On the first day (country stage, 2006)
Reference: Writing for English Language Competitions, by Luisa Filip, Dana Grigirivici, Cristiana Osan, T. Naiba, S. Iancu see also / 22-26, 27- 28