1. SHORT STORY NARRATIVES ELEMENTS OF PLOT

2. The Gift of the Magi Exposition: Jim and Della, a young married couple with little money, struggle to find the right gift for each other as Christmas approaches. Rising Action 1. Jim, values a watch that has been in his family for years. Della, values her long and beautiful hair. 2. Jim decides to sale his watch to purchase Della a set of combs and brushes for her hair. 3. Della decides to cut her hair off and sell it to a wig maker. She purchases a chain for Jim’s watch. Climax: Jim and Della exchange gifts realizing their love extends beyond material possessions.

3. Falling Action 1. Della panics as Jim walks in from work and is speechless. 2. Jim decides to set aside their gifts for the future and enjoy their holiday. 3. They embrace each other and realize it was all worth it. Resolution: Jim and Della are content with their holiday because of the true sacrifice they have given up for each other.

4. Theme 1. It is the thought that counts 2. Love extends beyond material possessions. Protagonist: Della Antagonist: Jim Setting: A drab flat (apartment) in a gray city on Christmas Eve

5. The Necklace Exposition: Mrs. Loisel is in her apartment and she is described as extremely unhappy and dissatisfied with her social status. Mrs. Loisel receives an invitation to an elegant party, brought by Mr. Loisel. Rising Action 1. Mathilde refuses to attend the party without a suitable dress. Mr. Loisel borrows money to buy a new one. 2. Mrs. Loisel doesn’t have jewelry and borrows a necklace. She loses it after the party. 3. Mr. and Mrs. Loisel borrow money to buy a new necklace and live in poverty for years to pay off the debt. Climax: 10 years later and relieved of the debt. Mrs. L. confesses all to Mrs. Forestier who reveals that the necklace is fake.

6. Falling Action 1. Mrs. Loisel has aged dramatically. 2. Mr. and Mrs. Loisel have now wasted ten years of their lives working to pay off a debt. 3. Their dislike for each continues to grow. Resolution: Mrs. Loisel begins to question what is really important in her life.

7. Theme 1. Excessive pride, which often leads to stupidity. 2. Be happy with who you are and what you have. Protagonist: Mrs. Loisel Antagonist: The Necklace, Mr. Loisel, and Mrs. Foreister Setting: Paris and late 1800s.

8. The Lady, or the Tiger Exposition: The short story takes place during the Middle Ages in England. The kingdom is ruled by a semi barbaric king. The person who enters the arena must choose a door. There is a semi barbaric Princess who is in love. Rising Action 1. The barbaric king finds out who the daughter is in love with and sentences the young man to a trial in the arena. 2. The Princess discovers which door is hiding the tiger and also reveals that she is not fan of the maiden behind the door. 3. The young man looks to the Princess for a clue regarding the tiger and the lady. Climax: The Princess gives a cue stating which door for the young man to choose. Falling Action 1. Your choice 2. Your choice 3. Your choice Resolution: Which door did he choose?

9. Theme 1. Jealousy can cause people to act unjustly 2. The choice of whether to follow love or give into jealousy. Protagonist: The Princess Antagonist: The Door, Young Man, King Setting: Mid 1800s in England.

10. Lamb to the Slaughter Exposition: Mary is pregnant at her quiet home waiting for her husband Patrick to go out for dinner. Rising Action 1. Patrick informs Mary he is leaving her to be with another woman. 2. Mary begs and pleads with Patrick to stay and realize what he is saying. 3. Patrick becomes stern with Mary telling her he isn’t hungry for dinner. Climax: Mary coldly hits Patrick in the back of the head with a Lamb quickly killing him.

11. Falling Action 1. She begins to put together an alibi, calls the neighbors to cancel dinner plans, and goes to the grocery to buy food. 2. When she arrives home, she calls the police making it look like a home intrusion. 3. The police investigate and during the investigation Mary offers them the Lamb which is cooking in the kitchen. Resolution: The police eat the Lamb and essentially get rid of the murder of weapon.

12. Theme 1. We don’t really know ourselves until we are faced with adversity. 2. Betrayal can affect those around you. 3. Keep calm and eat Lamb! Protagonist: Mary Antagonist: Patrick, Lamb Bone, Police Setting: 1960s Suburbia, Quiet Home

13. The Lottery Exposition: A small town in Midwest America gather every year to hold their traditional lottery when one person in the community is chosen to be killed by stones. Rising Action 1. The community gathers around the center of town discussing everyday topics as if it is a normal day. 2. The lottery begins with the head of households selecting for each family. 3. The Hutchinson Family is chosen. Tessie begins to argue it was too rushed. Climax: Tessie is chosen for the Lottery. She is the one to be killed by stones.

14. Falling Action 1. Tessie continues to argue it isn’t fair even trying to argue her daughters should be included. 2. The remaining townspeople turn from calm to serious and begin collecting stones. 3. Tessie’s son is given a stone to throw at his mother. Resolution: Tessie is murdered by the townspeople who use stones to throw at her.

15. Theme: 1. The time we live in may affect the traditions we follow. 2. The Lottery doesn’t always have positive outcomes. Protagonist: Tessie Antagonist: Townspeople, Black Box Setting: Midwest America 1948