Tuesdays with Morrie

Elements of a Story

Plot Diagram: Exposition

The exposition takes place through the first four chapters. “The Curriculum” tells us that there will be a class taught.

“The Syllabus,” “The Student,” and “The Audiovisual” all explain the who, what, and how that will occur in the story.

Plot Diagram: Conflict

Morrie grapples to accept his impending death from ALS.

He is visited by his former star student, Mitch, who has become disillusioned by the popular culture.

Plot Diagram: Rising Action

Mitch grows increasingly unhappy with his occupation as a journalist and sees Morrie featured on “Nightline” one night as he is watching television.

Morrie’s struggle with ALS.

Plot Diagram: Climax

Morrie is visited by Mitch for what will be the last time, and finally, after years of trying, he gets Mitch to cry openly.

Plot Diagram: Falling Action

Mitch attends Morrie’s funeral and conducts a conversation with him in his head as he had promised he would, even after his death. “You talk, I’ll listen.”

Plot Diagram: Resolution

“The Conclusion”: “there is no such thing as ‘too late’ in life.”

“The teaching goes on” with “experience.”

Themes:

The rejection of popular culture in favor of self-created values

“Love each other or die” Acceptance through detachment “If you learn how to die, then you know

how to live.”

Motifs

A recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.

Motifs

Food Reincarnation and renewal The media

Symbol

Is anything that stands for or represents something else.

Symbols

Pink hibiscus plant Morrie’s bed Waves on the ocean

Foreshadowing

The use of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur.

Foreshadowing

“When you’re in bed, you’re dead.”

Point of View

First person

Tone

The writer’s attitude toward his or her audience and the subject.

Tone

Mitch’s narration uses very basic language, as most of the book is composed of dialogue between him and Morrie.

Word for word transcription Mitch’s attitude towards Morrie is

nothing less than sweet and adoring.

Tense

The time, as past, present, or future, expressed by the author.

Tense

Frequently shifts from present to past (flashbacks)

Setting

Time: Early - mid 1990s Place: West Newton, MA

Protagonist

Is the main character in a literary work.

Protagonist

Mitch Albom

Morrie Shwartz?

Antagonist

Is the character or force in conflict with a main character, or protagonist.

Antagonist

The societal pressures that plague Mitch.

For Morrie, the disease, ALS.