Elements of a story

"Elements of a Story" is my guide to analyzing the basic and essential points of any narrative. Namely, I include nine points in the guide, including "setting," "characterization," and "plot." The guide works best with fiction, however, I have also incorporated some of its aspects when analyzing non-fiction, and even news and other media stories in class.

In the context of the lessons on this blog, Elements of a Story can be used to aid students in discussing the contents of films and film clips.

Instructions

Scene from the film "The Darjeeling Limited" (2007)

Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited is one of my favorite films. The story beautifuly weaves together themes of family, suffering, grief, and personal growth all against the backdrop of journey and travel. Like some of the director's other films, the characters take center stage while the often fantastical settings (mansions, boats, trains, etc.) are largely symbolic representations of society and the world around us/them. The train in this case offers one of the most tried-and-true metaphors of life as a journey, and yet it by no means comes off as worn or cliche. Rather, it radiates with a simplistic innocence and, thanks to the characters' development by the end of the film, they and the audience can view it in a new light and with newfound appreciation.

Video

Lesson plan

Compare and contrast essay

This short asignment is intended to give students an example of how to write a simple (two-paragraph) comparative essay. The theme of the assignment is "technology," and students are asked to compare/contrast one negative and positive point for one example of a piece of technology. This example highlights the airplane. This assignment is designed to suppliment activities for the film Blade Runner; however, it can also be used as a stand-alone lesson.


Assignment

Scene from the film "Roman Holiday" (1953)

"Scene on the Spanish Steps"

By annonymous request I am am posting a lesson for the 1953 American classic, Roman Holiday, starring Greggory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Interestingly, this film has maintained a very strong following in Japan, and it continues to be popular even among young people who would normally have only minimal interest in old films (i.e. my students, ahem).

Video

Lesson plan

Film summaries

Lvl: Beginner
Subjects: Introductions; Love; Romance; Dreams