Elements of the Short Story

Sister Josepha

By Alice Dunbar-Nelson

Presenter

Rita Higgins

Humanities Division

Essex County College

September 24, 2003

What is a Plot?

• Plan of Action

• Pattern of Events

• The Emphasis is on Planning

• What is the Action in Sister Josepha?

How is the plot like real life?

http://www.dodgestudio.com/lanterns.htm

Describe the…

• Characters

• Setting

• Situation

In Sister Josepha…and you have the basic plot!

Narrative Hook

What is the first problem faced by Sister Josepha?

Do you see why conflict makes the story interesting? Why is that?

The Secret Formula

Conflict

Equals

Suspense!

Rising Action

• What is the rising action in Sister Josepha?

• What conflict is growing within her?

• Is the conflict internal or external or both?

The Apex, Peak, Summit

What is the climax of the story?

Remember that the climax of the story signals that the conflict can not become any more intense and the something has to give.

Where in Sister Josepha do we see this?

What Happens?

What are the resultant actions of Sister Josepha in the falling action.

How does the author describe her? What does she do? How does she feel? Why?

What Can You Guess?

Will Sister Josepha ever leave the convent?

Why or why not?

What do you think will happen?

Verisimili…what?!!!

Is Sister Josepha’s character believable to you? Why or why not?

If you can can…

Ladies and gentlemen!

If you can form an opinion about the characters in the story, then you have most likely suspended disbelief.

Let’s Test This Theory!

Class Vote: Choose one.

a. Sister Josepha will remain a nun. (or)

b. Sister Josepha will run away and meet the young man she was taken with at church.

Which one do you want to happen to her?

Most readers want a happy ending

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/neighbors/crossroads/scene1.html

However, do you think the author wants you to assume a happy ending for Sister

Josepha? Discuss!

Thank you for participating!

Presented by

Rita HigginsHumanities Division

Essex County CollegeSeptember 24, 2003