For an A level you will need theory.
Theory helps us to understand what we do. So that what we do, we may do better. Theories are generally made up and around some key language this is REALLY IMPORTANT! You must show your KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF key language in your A level assessments if you want to score high marks.
Look for example at this assessment sheet for your narrative essay which clearly assesses your knowledge and understanding of narrative theory . .
Let’s start with some key language around NARRATIVE. Let’s start this one by you telling me (and everyone else) something you know about NARRATIVE / STORYTELLING THEORY. So, what do you know?
TASK: I suggest that you print out this list below. Annotate it to provide an AUDIT of WHAT YOU KNOW and WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW, (ie highlight it, or provide a brief description, or . . . ) and then stick it in your book.
Key Terminology (could be a Kahoot test!)
- Linear
- Chronological
- Sequential
- Circular structure
- Time based
- Narrative arc
- Freytag’s Pyramid
- exposition,
- inciting incident,
- rising action,
- climax,
- falling action,
- resolution,
- denouement
- Beginning / middle / end
- Equilibrium
- Disruption
- Transgression – often disequilibrium is caused by societal / moral / ethical transgression (ie challenging Aristotelian virtues)
- New equilibrium
- Peripeteia
- Anagnoresis
- Catharsis
- The 3 Unities: Action, Time, Place
- flashback / flash forward
- Foreshadowing
- Ellipsis
- Pathos
- Empathy
- diegetic / non-diegetic
- slow motion
- In Media Res – starting in mid-action
- Metanarratives – drawing attention to the process of storytelling
- Quest narratives