Academic Vocabulary 10/21/13

Diction Author’s word CHOICE

Narrative Hook A narrative hook (or hook) is a literary technique in the opening of a story that ‘hooks’ the reader's attention so that he or she will keep on reading. The ‘opening’ may consist of several paragraphs for a short story, or several pages for a novel, but ideally it is the opening sentence.

Narrative Hook -“Their Ancient and Glittering Eyes,” from Chemistry and Other Stories by Ron Rash -“Not Waving, But Drowning,” from Chemistry and Other Stories by Ron Rash

Plot The series of events in a story

Conflict The problem in the story

“The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst A.Doodle’s brother shows him his coffin B.Doodle, his brother, their parents, and Aunt Nicey; the scarlet ibis C.Doodle sitting by the tree in the rain, lifeless, his brother tries to wake him, only to realize that Doodle is dead D.Doodle’s brother runs off without him during a very bad thunderstorm; only to turn around and find that he’s not there. E.Doodle’s brother teaches Doodle how to walk F.A scarlet Ibis flies into the yard and dies; Doodle buries it; Aunt Nicey says that “dead birds is bad luck.” G.Doodle’s brother sits crying in the rain next to Doodle’s body. H.Between summer and fall in the South around I.Doodles’ brother’s struggle between the love he has for his brother versus the pride he feels because he’s embarrassed. J.Pride is a wonderful, terrible thing.