Narrative Mode

Goldsmith AP LANG

Narration

relates a sequence of events linked in time

In narratives, stages lead to 2 types of RESULTS

• new knowledge

• notable outcome

Point of narrative: take away idea

determines event selection, event details, and arrangement of events

straight chronological arrangement

• relates sequences in the actual order of events

  • short narratives

  • dramatic endings

  • rising and falling actions contribute to theme

Final event first arrangement

self-realization followed by explanation of events that led up to it

Summary arrangement

entire story is first summarized, and then explained in detail

flashback arrangement

shift backward rather than forward in time

Point of View

position relative to events

pronouns

indicate storyteller’s presence in the story

verb tense

narrator’s relation in time to the sequence of events (past, present)

first person + present tense

great immediacy

third person + past tense

distance and possible objectivity