Narrative Modes
February 28th, 2007
All fiction is created out of 5 different ways of presenting information to the reader, called narrative modes: dialogue, description, action, thoughts and exposition.
Some writers rely more extensively on one mode than on others. A complete story will use all five, but very often the opening scene is characterized by the predominance of one mode.
Stories can start with the description of a setting, person/character or object that will have thematic significance. Or with a character performing some action that both launches the plot and offers insight into her as a person. Or with thoughts presented in the point-of-view character’s voice. Or with exposition (this is the trickiest), in which facts are told to the reader in summary form rather than dramatized.
Let’s try all five with the familiar story of Cinderella.
Traditional beginning uses exposition, summarizing events in a brief lecture.
Once upon a time there was a man with a beautiful daughter and a beloved wife. His wife died and after a year of grief the man married again. His new wife was beautiful but selfish and vain. She and her two daughters, who were just like her, made her life very hard for the motherless girl. They made her do all the washing and cleaning and cooking. After the man unexpectedly died, things became even worse for the poor child. Her stepmother made her move out of her pretty bedroom and sleep in the cinders on the hearth. From this she became known as “Cinderella.”
Dialogue
“Cinderella! Have you finished the laundry yet?”
“N-no, ma’am. I was scrubbing the hearth…”
Her stepmother glared at her. “That should have been done hours ago!
You’re a lazy undisciplined girl!”
“Please, ma’am, the hearth was so filthy after Cook roasted the whole boar“
“Silence! I will not be contradicted in my own house!”
Once it was my house, Cinderella thought – but she didn’t dare say that out loud.
Action
Cinderella ducked with well practiced agility beneath the flying shoe and crumpled dress of her two sulking and angry step-sisters. Another round of verbal abuse was flung nonchalantly and with biting venom in her direction but with the same grace, she met the acid remarks with a smile and ‘accidentally’ poured the hot tea on their beds as she ‘tripped’ over a shoe on the floor. The howls of pain and shock drove her half-smiling, scurrying out of the door only to meet the sudden imposing and dominant figure of her stepmother. She was too slow to react to the hand that smacked her hard on her right cheek and she fell crying to the floor. Another day at the Triben household had begun.
Description
Cinderella’s beauty could not be hidden beneath the torn hand-me –down, ragged and tattered dresses she had to wear at home. Nor could the blackish ash of the cinders she was forced to sleep in near the hearth every cold night diminish the radiance of her complexion. Hers was a beauty of gracefulness and truth, qualities which her heart and spirit also possessed in abundance. This was further enhanced by an inextinguishable belief in human goodness, all qualities which her stepmother and stepsisters took daily opportunities to challenge and obliterate, fueled by jealousy and hatred at what they could never possess or be.
Thoughts
It wasn’t fair. No it wasn’t. She was trying hard to please her Stepmother and her ‘real’ daughters, but everything she did was met with more scoldings, sarcasm and even beatings. How much more of this could she take. She tried to do everything quickly and perfectly, trying hard not to be in their presence for too long but they just seemed to take so much pleasure in mocking and sneering at her blackened skin and tattered clothes, chastising her for any small mistake. Calling me Cinderella! Even mocking Father!
Questions to ponder
When is a particular mode most effective in a narrative? Why?
What happens when you mix modes?
Which mode works best when begiining a story?..When ending a story?
What are the modes used in the books/stories I have read? Why and when do the writers use these modes? What is the impact on me, the reader?
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Exercise 1
Write paragraphs of not less than 80 words each using the 5 different modes for any of these 3 fairy tales:
1) The 3 Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf
2) Jack and the Beanstalk
3) Snow White and the 7 dwarves
Post your modes (for 1 fairy tale) in the comments section. This section is compulsory for those who have finished the Biography 2nd drafts at home and is optional for the rest!
Exercise 2.
Choose either “Charlotte’s Web” or ” A Wrinkle In Time” and use the 5 narrative modes (paragraphs of not less than 80 words) to narrate one chapter or part of it, of either novel.
This is optional for everyone.
Post your work in the comments section.
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See also:
- Any QUESTIONS??? (August 14th, 2007)
- What A Tangled Web We Weave (March 18th, 2007)
- Evaluating the Internet (March 4th, 2007)
- COMPREHEND? A WORK IN PROGRESS (February 21st, 2007)
- Poetry (November 24th, 2006)
February 28th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Three Litle Pigs
” Oh lil’ pig! let me in or else you know what!”
” Like heck I will, fuzzbrain!”
” Hey! You’re supposed to say Not by the hair of my chiny chin chin!”
” I’m still not letting you in! Let’s see you try on my brick house, furbreath!”
The wolf huffed and puffed and BLEW at the house. ” Gasp! it hasn’t moved at all!”
THe two other pigs hiding behind their youngest brother breathed a sigh of relief.
February 28th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
jack and beanstalk
Running and jumping and leaping over pebbbles the size of footballs is no easy feat. As I ran, I felt the giant’s colosal footsteps sending vibrations down the paved ground which told me he was going to catch up! His filthy mouth was spouting verbal abuse, words that could even freak out the school bullies. I reached the beanstalk and swung down, brushing past leaves the size of carpets. A huge shadow cast onto me. I could pratically feel the giant’s shadow pressing down on me. I looked up and screamed.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
The huge, terrible wolf heaved itself out of the underbrush, marching toward its intended target. Its breath stank of alcohol, its fur hanging down in matted dirty ribbons. Every step was an effort for the old drunkard, but the temptation of a pig feast was too good to refuse.
“Come out of your straw house little pig, or I’ll blow it down!”
“Who… who’s there?” squealed the first little pig.
“It’s the milkman!” yelled the cunning wolf.
“I don’t believe you!” exclaimed the pig after peeking from behind the door.
“You’re the wolf! My house will protect me from you!” the pig said, but it could not keep out the waver in its voice. The waver was well deserved, since he had built the house and it was just straw.
Oh dear. I’m going to be eaten! The stupid wolf out there will knock my house down and try to eat me! What’ll I do? Oh no! the walls are smashing down!!! No!!! Its coming!!! Its breath stinks!!! Arrgh!!!
Running away, the pig dodged the wolf with a quick bank. Suddenly the wolf stuck its paw out and hit it, and the pig knew no more.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Three Little Pigs
Look at them! Lazing around when already half the day is gone! While other pigs are out there making a living, the three of them are still sleeping! I have got to let them gain some experience.
“Alright, Get Up! All three of you!”
“Whats all fuss about?”
“You three are old enough to go out and experience the world. I will not have you under my roof. Go out there and build your own houses.
“Aww Mum…. A few more minutes…
“NO! Get out or I will chase you out!”
The three brothers ran out as fast as they could, dodging pillowcases.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
THree little pigs
THe second pig grabbed the first’s hand and tore across the grassy plain. Grass was almost yanked out of their roots for the force from the pig’s run was so strong that the two pigs were just a blur. The wolf chased after them, not willing to miss a tasty dinner like that. THe wolf reached forward, ready to shove the pigs into his mouth when—BAM! The pigs had reached their third brother’s house and they slammed the door in the wolf’s face. The wolf’s poor nose was rather dented now.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Three little pigs3
THe first pig was rather fat and fleshy, would CERTAINLY make a tasty meal for a hungry wolf. He was almost sucessful in everything he did, though a little slipshod. THe second was lean and muscular, a healthy choice for any healthy predator. THe third was thin and the runt of the litter, small and scrawny and not really an ideal choice for a growing wolf, but it would have to do if you had not eaten in days. THe brown young wolf licked his chops, drooling at the possibilities of eating stewed pork bthat night.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
The wolf hid behind the foliage of bushes, waiting,stalking. It hungrily eyed the eldest pig.
Hmm.. my theory is the older, the juicier
When the prey was near enough, the wolf jumped out. While screaming” I’m having pork tonight!”, he ran after the pig. The pig stood rooted to the spot, fear was deep in its cornea and written on its face. With quick movements, the wolf lunged at the pig with its badly scarred hands. The pig ducked down, rolled over on its stomach, jumped back to its feet and ran towards its straw hut, avoiding the wolf’s stomach momentarily.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
THe three little pigs 4
Why me, thought the first pig. tEARing across the grassy plain, he thought. He did what his mummy told him, never led strange animals into the house and LOOK NOW WHAT HAPPENED! He should have just let the evil bad wolf eat him! Why waste his final seconds running and sweating like who-knows-what? He prayed to all the gods his friends had told him about, the greek gods to the chinese gods, and dashed into the open door of his second brother.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
First Pig: Brother! Help me! That crazed wolf is after me! He has already BLOWN my house down! With such a strong sense of smell, he will definitely realize that i have escaped and come here to eat both of us WHOLE!
Second Pig: What?! Get in quick!
First pig squeezes in through the 0.5m door.
Second Pig: That blood-thirsty wolf will never get in here! Wood is the strongest material for a house! But little brother just had to go against me and use some red blocks with glue! What an idiot…
Wolf: HAHAHA! I’m here to get you pigs. i can already taste your tender juicy pork in my mouth!!!
The wolf took a deep breath, and blew with all his might. The house was blown down!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Three little pigs.
Sigh, that hardworking brat! He really does not know how to enjoy the pig’s carefree life. I can’t believe that he does not even appreciate the lovely fragance of mud! It’s the starting of Spring and guess what he’s doing? He Building A House! (BAH!) He always claims to have a premonition of a catastrophy going to occur so his house must be a sturdy, strong one. (Blah, blah, blah) Look at mine; so colourful and comfortable to lie in hay.
Furthermore, he’s mummy’s boy so he gets extra potatoes and tomatoes. So unfair! If we are born pigs why not just act like one?
……
Oh boy! What was that grey thing?!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
THree little pigs 5 once upon a time version
Once upon a time a mummy pig told her three young piglets, percy, perty and punty that they were old enough to live on their own. So percy bought some straw and built a fine house. perty bought some sticks to make a fine stick house. Their houses were built in two nights. Punty bought a cart of bricks to built a house. His took a week to build, but it was a lovely house all the same.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Three Little Pigs
Aaaah, it’s so comfortable in this house, i will never leave this place! Good food, comfy beds, what could be better than this?
Suddenly,”Alright, I’ve had enough of all of you! You all have to get outta here and make your own house!”
” What!!! Come on…. please can we stay for a few more days??”
“No! Shoo! Go away!”
The three little pigs ran away and never saw that house again……
February 28th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
I did the five different modes for three little pigs.
Exposition
There were once three little pigs that lived with their mother. When they were grown up enough, their mother sent them to live out on their own. They went out into the wilderness, and started their new lives by making houses. The first little pig made a house made of straw. The second little pig made a house made of sticks. The third little pig made a house made of bricks. The big bad wolf wanted to eat them. So he huffed and puffed and blew first and second little pigs’ houses down. The two pigs scurried to the third little pig’s house which apparently could not be blown down. The wolf gave up and they lived happily ever after. Or did they?
February 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Dialogue
“Let me in so I can play with you little one!” said the wolf
“You just want to eat me. I am safe in my house made of sticks!” said the second little pig.
“Then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!!!!” The wolf viciously threatened.
“Go ahead I am not scared. You will not even be able to make my house twitch.”
“Ha Ha Ha! Is that what you think? You are wrong”
“Whoa!!!” The second pig ran away after his house disintegrated.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Action
The third little pig was smart and hard working so he decided to make a strong, brick house, safe from any unwanted visitors. He placed brick after brick and took very long but it would be worth it. Finally he finished and rested in his new built house. The next day his two brothers came to his house to seek refuge from a certain wolf. The third little pig kindly let them in, and soon saw a wolf walking towards his house.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Jack and the beanstalk2
” You little ******d! You sold daisy for a few f******** BEANS!!!”
” Mommy, they’re MAGIC!”
” MAGIC MY A***! You are a *****! An ******! Of to bed you go! No supper for you!’ With that she tossed the beans out the window. ” MOM NO!!!”
” GO TO BED YOU FILTHY *********** *** *****!”
‘ Yes ma.”
February 28th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Thoughts
Oh no. The wolf is actually outside my house!!! Do you think he wants to play with me? No, no pig, he wants to eat you. So I don’t let him in! He will huff and puff and blow your house down. My house is made of straw, it can’t possibly withstand his blow , or can it? What do I do? Oh great he is coming closer. Please don’t attack me! Oh wait! I can go to brother’s house. Too late! My house!!!!!!!! I am out of here! Brother, here I come!!!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Description
The wolf was cunning, capable and smart beyond any description. He was feared by many as he might eat them. He would come and scare them to a corner, open his mouth and before they knew it, they were being digested. He had now set his eyes on the meaty, juicy three little pigs. When he wants to eat something, he will never give up. Even if the scaring did not work, he had a beautiful plan-huff and puff and blow!!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
The Three Little Pigs
The eldest pigs and second pig ran for their lives with their fats bumping up and down and sweat all over their faces to the youngest little pigs house. They started banging and screaming in high pitched tones when they reached the little red blocked house. The moment little pig came out in a ragged but clean shirt, his two elder brothers pushed him back into the house with a great force, and immediately locked the door. Then, they started blabbering nonsense in his face. And the only words that the little pig could hear was ‘die’ and ‘blow’.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
An Yan you’re real vulgar you know that
February 28th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
The three little pigs
They are laughing at me doing my work now, but they’ll soon see. A sturdy house will protect me from wind! But all my brothers want is to sleep. I suppose that one day, when their house gets blown down, they’ll be running to me begging on their knees. I must build the strongest house ever with bricks. A proper house. A house that those lazy pigs would never build!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Jack and the beanstalk
The giant’s wife was huge, as all giants were, and she had a heart as big. She allowed Jack to hide in her oven to hide from her husband. When the husband marched in, his huge footsteps echoed round the hall. Through a tiny crack of the oven, he saw the hideous face of the giant. His teeth were yellower than a sunflower’s petals. His hair was messier that the amazon forest. He gasped at such a horrifying sight.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
The three little pigs
The Wolf (in a high pitched tone):”Come out little pigs, it’s the gardener.”
The third pig:”Go away! We ain’t wanna see nobody!”
The first pig:”Did you see any wolf passing by?”
The Wolf:”No dear, the wind is so strong that I think he went into hiding. I think a huge gust of wind is coming!!!”
The Wolf blew hard on the brick house but only his saliva stained the walls.
The second pig:”What was that! Did you hear that?”
February 28th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Threee Little pigs
Once upon a time, in a land far far far far far far away, a mother pig had just announced that her three children would have to leave the house, and make their own living. The two elder ones were shocked, and started panicking on little matters like what would they eat everyday. But the little one started planning his house. He had drawn a house made out of bricks. The two elder ones saw what he was doing, and decided to draw a house too. But being dim-witted pigs who never studied and were lazy, they drew houses of Straw and Wood. They started buying materials, and by the third day, they set out to make their own houses!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
It wasn’t fair at all. Build houses? We are only 20 years old! How are we going to survive? We might die a painful death! How are we going to find food or shelter? We still can’t believe we got kicked out of the house we lived in for 20 years! Ohhh……..
February 28th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Jack and the beanstalk.
Lookee all this gold! hE WOULD BE richer than the duke with all that gold. He picked it up. Whoof! It was heavy alright. He leapt down the side of the table. Geronimo, if i don’t break my legs, I will propbably die, he thought. Fortunately he fell onto the carpet and it was very soft. Im alive! I kiss thte sweet ground!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
“Get out of your house or I will blow your house down!”
“Haha! How funny! You will never blow my straw house down!”
“Fine, if that’s how you want it!”
A strong gust of wind filled the house, and the pig was shocked. He opened the back door (he had an emergency escape) and sprinted out. The wolf spotted him out of the corner of his eye, and ran towards him. The little pig doged, and slipped underneath the wolf’s humongous paunch.
The little pig ran through the fields towards his brother’s house, desparetely trying to outrun the wolf. His efforts proved futile, and the wolf caught up with him, biting him in his mouth, and shaking him to his death.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
“he saw the hideous face of the giant. His teeth were yellower than a sunflower’s petals. His hair was messier that the amazon forest. He gasped at such a horrifying sight.”
In comparing the giant’s teeth to ’sunflower petals’, the hideousness of the giant or the revulsion readers are supposed to feel is lost as sunflowers are beautiful and evoke a sense of calm and positive feelings.
When you want to use metaphors or similes to compare, be careful and ssnsitive to what you are using to compare!
In comparing the messiness of the giant’s hair to the Amazon forest, there is a lack of specificity or appropriateness. We lose the sense of messiness. What comes to mind hwne ithink of the Amazon forst is GREENESS or LIFE!
Again, try to make sutr that your comparisons can bring out what you intend to say or comapre in the first place
February 28th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Jack and the beanstalk once upon the time version
Once upon a time there lived a young boy called Jack and his parents. Theylived in farm and were rather rich. One day when the father died, the famine started. The farm could not be used. They sold the land and soon they had to sell their beloved cow, Daisy. They found that Daisy had no more milk, so maybe they could sell it for beef. It was sad, but had to be done esle they STARVED TO DEATH!
February 28th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Oh, here comes brother. I wonder why he is running so fast. Oh no! The wolf! I better let him in or else he will be dinner. No, I will not neglect by beloved older brother. OK, here he comes……
Now he’s babbling some nonsense about blowing. What is he talking about? He seems very scared. Now here comes the big bad wolf. I hope we do not become dinner……
February 28th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
THree little pigs
The eldest pig, with mud on his rounded tummy and frost on his mouth all the time lay on the hay just outside the house, wondering what he would build that didn’t require too much energy. He turned only to see his youngest brother with a shiny mop of black hair and frowned eye brows glaring at a sketch pad and drawing his house with his left arm with bulging muscles. Then, the eldest pig turned again, and saw his younger brother, with mud all over, listing materials that would be comfortable to lie on, yet strong enough to block people from hacking it down. Yet, he had not made any designs on his foolscap paper which was half blank.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
After using the narrative modes to write a paragraph, I feel that my writing has improved due to the modes. When using the modes you are able to potray a message more clearly and with even more conviction/
February 28th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Three little pigs
The second pig was shocked. His house was made from wood for goodness sake! But now, he had to concentrate on getting his third brother’s house. He could hear the incessant pounding of the wolf’s footsteps behind him. Every blade of grass below their feet were flattened. As wolf stretched out his flithy arm to grab the tail of the squealing pig, the pig rolled over on it’s side, missing the clutches of the evil creature. He picked himself up again and dashed towards the brick house that belonged to his brother. Just then, he saw a bigger shadow merge with his.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I feel that narrative modes can help you write better as it gives you control over the writing.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Continuation:
No more good food, no beds! We might have to sleep on floors! Floors!!!Our mother was so cruel! Why did she have to kick us out? This was like camping!! We hate camping!! It’s so hot! We might get a heart attack.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Exposition:
Once upon a time, there lived a family of pigs, father pig, mother pig and three little pigs. Living in the forest beside their cozy house, was a big bad wolf. This big bad wolf was very greedy and liked to eat pigs, especially fat little ones, so he was always closely eyeing the three little pigs’ every movement. He knew that the three pigs were getting older and that they were going to leave their big house soon, and go and build their own house. Observing the pigs’ everyday actions, he realized that the eldest, was the easiest target as he was lazy and gave up easily. The second one was also relatively idle and liked to laze around. But the youngest pig was different from both of the older pigs; he was energetic and he would always try to find the best way to do any piece of work.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Dialogue:
“Little pigs, remember to stay clear of the dark woods because inside dwells…”
“The greedy big bad wolf, who likes to eat us little pigs,” the little pigs chorused in reply to their mother question.
“Yes, so you all have to build a sturdy little house to block the big bad wolf from entering and eating you up!” mother pig advised.
“Now, remember to build a strong house that can withstand the big bad wolf! Don’t be so lazy!” mother pig cautioned eldest pig.
“Yes mum, I won’t forget!” eldest pig replied and set out of the house.
“Second pig, though you are not as idle as you elder brother, you are still lazy! Be hardworking and you will be able to build a good house for yourself and you wouldn’t get eaten by the big bad wolf.”
“Yes mum, I will build a good house and never get eaten by the big bad wolf, don’t you worry!” with that second pig set off to build his house.
“Little pig, you are diligent and energetic. I know that you will know how to build a nice and sturdy house to keep out the big bad wolf.”
“Yes mum, and when I finish building my house, I will invite you over!” little pig answered and went to build his house.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
The huge, terrible wolf heaved itself out of the underbrush, marching toward its intended target. Its breath stank of alcohol, its fur hanging down in matted dirty ribbons. Every step was an effort for the old drunkard, but the temptation of a pig feast was too good to refuse. Juicy, delicious bacon and ham, dripping with oil. It was almost too much for the wolf and it walked with a new spring in its step, drooling with anticipation and hunger.
“Come out of your straw house little pig or I’ll blow it down!”
“Who… who’s there?” squealed the first little pig.
“It’s the milkman!” yelled the cunning wolf.
“I don’t believe you!” exclaimed the pig after peeking from behind the door.
“You’re the wolf! My house will protect me from you!” the pig said, but it could not keep out the waver in its voice. The waver was well deserved, since he had built the house and it was just straw.
Oh dear. I’m going to be eaten! The stupid wolf out there will knock my house down and try to eat me! What’ll I do? Oh no! The walls are smashing down!!! No!!! It’s coming!!! Its breath stinks!!! Arrgh!!! Run!!! It isn’t far at all! Soon I’ll be in my brother’s wood house and totally safe. No! It’s gaining on me! Dodge! Right, left, right, NO! Dodge, spin,
Hey, it’s becoming fun. I could keep at this all day. Wait… it’s coming from the left… easy, I go right… HEY! WHEN DID ITS PAW GET THERE!!! ARGHH!!!
Running away, the pig dodged the wolf with a quick bank. In its newfound confidence, it played the wolf for a fool, dancing like the tantalizing hunk of pork that it was. Driven by lunacy, the wolf sped up, running like a loon. The pig realized its mistake and began to correct his route by running toward his brother’s house. The wolf was not going to let that hunk of fat and juicy meat get away! Sticking out its paw on the left, it lunged to the right. As he suspected, the pig darted to the left and was caught!!!
February 28th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Description:
Little pig was hardworking and intelligent; and he always tried his best in everything he did. He knew how to choose from a few choices and decide what was best. Though he was often scorned by his older brothers as they thought that he was a goody-two-shoe and was never going to succeed in life as he was timid, little pig worked hard, hoping to prove them wrong. When the time came for all of them to go and build their own houses, little pig was right in thinking that bricks were the best material to build his house and keep the big bad wolf out.
February 28th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
A pillow flew across the room, followed by a blanket and then a packet of food. Another one of each item was thrown across the room next. “You two older pigs, it’s time to go get a life out there! You’ve been staying in this house for too long!” mother pig shouted. “Alright, alright, just cool it. We’ll go.” Eldest pig replied. “How come little pig does not have to go!? It’s not fair!” second pig demanded. Mother pig looked flustered, “How dare you question me about what I want state.” Little pig stood up timidly and said “Mum, I will go and build my own house as well.” “But you are still so young,” mother pig’s heart fluttered, her beloved little son….
February 28th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Min Chih and Cherie, remember, dialogue mode in a narrative is not the same as a script for a play. You have to weave the characters in while they are saying what they are saying!
March 1st, 2007 at 3:33 am
Questions to Ponder..
When is a particular mode most effective in a narrative? Why?
Exposition: When there is not much action and the author does not want to include too many details as the exposition
mode is just used for narrating the story.
Dialogue: When the author wants to show instead of telling a character’s character. ( eg. uncouth, sophisticated etc.)
A character’s character can be made known by the way he/she speaks.
Action: When the story is at it’s climax/in action-packed stories. Shows the character’s feelings and his/her
character. ( eg. spoit/well-behaved child )
Description: Used most effectively when the author wants to highlight the features/looks of someone or something.
Gives readers details on the person/object.
Thoughts: Used to tell readers the feelings of the character from his/her point of view and is an alternative way
rather than simply narrating what he/she feels.
March 1st, 2007 at 3:49 am
Cont’d ( Questions to ponder.. )
What happens when you mix modes?
A combination of modes is derived and gives us an interesting narration of the story.
Which mode works best when beginning a story?..when ending a story?
Actually I feel that it depends on one’s own preference. It depends on how the author and in which point of the story
the author wants to start with. As for ending a story…I normally end a story with a reflection, however, it can be
too long-winded at times. I think this is up to the author to decide himself/herself how to end the story.
What are the modes used in books/stories I have read? Why and when do the writers use these modes? What is the impact
on me, the reader?
I have come across all these modes except the “description mode”. As for the exposition, I see these mainly in fairy tales where
For the dialogue method,
they start with “Once upon a time…” However, as for me, I feel that it is quite boring…
it works well for me when showing a character’s character and when the author wants to make a big impact ( eg. someone
scolding another person ). It is also an interesting way of starting a story. Actions can make me imagine as if I am at
the scene which I am reading about and is often used in action-packed stories. For the descriptive mode, it is a good
way of showing off one’s vocabulary but I don’t think I’ll be very interested in reading a book that uses this method
too often as it becomes very…fake. As for the method on thoughts, I think it is a good method of showing readers the
character’s inner feelings and sort of, puts me in the character’s shoes when I read the part on thoughts of the character
in books.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:08 am
Exercise 1: Jack and the Beanstalk
Exposition: Once upon a time, there lived a poor boy called Jack. The harvest from the previous year had not been good
and his parents decided to sell their only possession, the cow, in exchange for something valuable. They thus entrusted this job to Jack. One day, Jack brought the cow to the market. As he was walking, he saw this strange old beggar kneeling in one corner, scrutinising something. Out of curiosity, Jack walked forward and asked what the object was. The beggar replied that it was a bean which could grow up to the sky and beyong the clouds and that he was willing to exchange it for the cow. Jubilantly, Jack agreed. When he went home that day, he got a thrashing from his mother who scolded him for being so stupid and exchanging a cow…for a useless bean! The raging mother thus threw the bean out into the garden. The next day, Jack was greeted with an enormous beanstalk that reached the sky like a skyscraper. Jack was amazed at the sight and wondered what was beyond the great beanstalk that towered above him. He then decided that he would climb up the beanstalk – and so he did! He climbed up and up, until he reached a great big house with a great big door with a great big door knob. Jack knocked on the door…Lo and Behold! An enormous giant opened the door and upon seeing Jack, smiled and beckoned him in. The giant went to get a drink for Jack when Jack took the opportunity to steal the Giant’s axe and his gloden chicken…But just before he could make an escape, the giant returned. Jack ran as fast as his legs could carry him and made a dash for the door. He opened the door with all his might and slid down the giant beanstalk. There the giant was, sliding down behind him. Jack made a desperate attempt to chop off the beanstalk with his axe, and finally the beanstalk came crashing down with the giant. The giant fell and created a crater in the garden, and before Jack knew it, the giant had dissappeared into thin ait!
March 1st, 2007 at 4:16 am
Ex. 1 – Dialogue
“You little boy! Give me back my axe and my precious gold chicken! You little rascal!”
“No no no! You’ll never get me! You clumsy old giant!”
“Fe Fi Fo Fum! I am coming to get you! Muahahaha…”
“No, you won’t be able to get me, you loser!”
At the mention of the word “loser”, the giant roared with anger and lightning flashed across the sky. The giants eyes
glared with rage.
“I am not a loser! I am the giant who all little boys and girls fear! But don’t you worry, sonny. I will not torture you too much. I’ll probably just sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper on you before I have you in my sandwhich!”
“Aaarrrgghhh…” Jack ran as fast as he could, with the giant in hot pursuit.
“I’m coming…sonny.” The giant roared with laughter, thinking of the wonderful snack he’d have. Fresh human meat definitely sounded nice.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:27 am
Ex. 1 – Actions
The boy ran and ran and ran and the sound of light footsteps could be heard. Behind him was the humongous, enormous…giant, making a thunderous sound each time his big and heavy feet touched the ground. Jack looked behind, and his heart pounded every rime the giant almost caught up with him. Finally, Jack reached the door. He flung it open with all his might and continued dashing forward…Sliding down the beanstalk, he caught his breath and heaved a sigh of relief…had he really shaken the giant off? Just then,the familiar figure clambered down the beanstalk, completely out of breath and exhausted. Jack hacked with the axe at the great beanstalk desperately. Finally…”Boom!” the beanstalk came crashing down to the ground, with the giant in tow.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:39 am
Ex.1 – Description
The scrawny, lean lad stood with his arms hanging limply by his sides and fought back tears that were stinging his eyes as his mother berated him. The boy looked down and stared hard at the ground, biting his lips and with a sorrowful look on his face. The woman, haggled and with her hair all over the place, continued admonishing him. Jack stood rooted to the ground without uttering a single syllable. His mother, wearing a torn and tattered apron and who had a mouthful of yellow, stained teeth, continued reprimanding him, her voice rising higher and higher. Soon after, Jack could not resist the tears anymore and tear drops streamed down his temples to his cheeks.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:46 am
Ex. 1 – Thoughts
Ah, my my,there’s a little boy at my doorstep. Hmmm…I think I should invite him in. (Invites Jack in) He looks…well, a little scrawny…but one always has to make some sacrifices, I suppose. I guess he shouldn’t taste so bad after adding some salt and pepper before putting him to my sandwhich. He’ll probably not fill my stomach but…it has been a long long time ever since I have tasted human meat. There’s nothing better than real HUMAN MEAT. Nice and tender…with red-coloured juice squirting out with every bite…scrumptious! I can’t wait!
March 1st, 2007 at 8:57 am
Thoughts:
“How nice it looks to roll about in the mud like my two older brothers. I shall go and join them!” “NO! You have to wait, they have built finish their houses but you have not! Continue building your brick house.” “Okay, I shall build my house first if not when the big bad wolf comes i will have no place to hide. How I miss mother pig and her caring nature, if she were here like she was not more than two hours ago, we would be having a splendid time indeed” “Yay! I have now completed the construction of my house, and it is a sturdy and strong one too!”
March 1st, 2007 at 9:25 am
When is a particular mode most effective in a narrative? Why?
i think that expository writing is most effective when the author just needs to tell and not show. like the beginning of fairy tales and maybe when the author gives a brief introduction again at the start of a new book of a trilogy.
for the dialogue mode, i think that it is most effective when used to show something, letting people visualise an image that the author wants the audience to see. and also when the author wants to excite and hold the reader in suspense for some time and drive the plot on.
action is most commonly used when describing an important or exciting scene in a narrative, like when in the final showdown. action makes the audience feel involved and very close to the characters, the action mode also shows the audience what is happening and enable them to see a picture in their head.
description mode is used when the author wants to give more information about a particular character to perhaps let the reader have his/her own thoughts about that character’s personality.
to use the thoughts mode, i think it would be most effective when the author wants the audience to really feel the emotions that character is feeling, like the character’s pain and unhapiness.
?
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:11 am
Ex.2 – A Wrinkle In Time: Exposition
Not so long ago there lived a woman, Mrs. Murry and her four children, Margaret,Sam,Dennis and Charles Wallace. Their father, Mr.Murry, was working for the government in a department called “Classified”. However, while on a mission, Mr.Murry went missing and could not be tracked down. It has been years since then. Everytime Margaret, nicknamed Meg, thought of Father, she would break down and tears would fill her eyes. Charles Wallace, the youngest of the four siblings, did not even have an inkling of what Father looked like as Father had left them when Charles was just a baby.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:18 am
Sorry I made a mistake in the exposition part.
The boys are supposed to be Sandy and Dennys, not Sam and Dennis
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:29 am
A Wrinkle In Time – Dialogue
“Does your cheek still hurt?” Mrs. Murry asked lovingly.
“No…not much.” Meg replied softly.
“You know, Meg, if someone makes a comment concerning us, you should just ignore him or her. After all, we can’t control what others say but we can control the way we react. You know that it’s not true…It’s just that people are…different.”
Meg retorted weakly, “But mum, that big bully was talking about us. Why is is that Charles and I are not easily accepted?”
“In future, just turn a deaf ear to what these people say. No one is perfect, my dear. We just have to accept this fact and be who we are…”
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:38 am
A Wrinkle In Time – Action
The threesome was whirled through darkness, through nothingness. It seemed as if someone was driving a knife straight into her heart…Meg gasped desperately. Her lungs seemed to have stuck to each other, unabling her to breathe. Meg screamed for help at the top of her voice, but her shouts for help were unheard. She made an attempt by groping around helplessly in the hope of grabbing something or someone, but her efforts were in vain…
March 4th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Exposition
Once upon a time, there lived three little pigs and their large mother. One day, the three little pigs were called by their mother, and she told them that they had to go out to the real world on their own, and she couldn’t keep them any longer as they were eating far too much. Sadly, the little pigs packed their bags and said goodbye to their mother…And little did they know of the danger thaat awaited them in the REAL world…
Dialogue
‘Piggy! Porky! Paunchy! Come here! I am going to tell you something!’
‘Yes, mother! What’s up!’
‘Yeah, mother, is there anything important you want to tell us?’
‘Mother, can you please tell me what is up? If there is something wrong, I can solve it!’
‘PIGGY! PORKY! Can’t you behave nicely like your little brother Paunchy?’
‘AWW… MOTHER!’
‘Don’t AWWW me! Anyway, I wanted to tell you that you have to move out into the real world and take care of yourselves! Got it? I want you out in 5 mins!’
‘Sure, mother! Let me pack my things and get my book on building houses first! i hope I will get it right!’
‘MOTHER! YOU MUST BE JOKING!!!!’
Action
Piggy burst out of his back door and started sprinting as fast as he cuold. behind, him, although Piggy had a start, was the wolf, close. He was nearly snapping at Piggy’s heels. When Piggy saw Porky’s wodden house from a distance, he put on his last burst of speed and sprinted towards the door. When Porky saw him, he looked puzzled but let him in… A few minute later… BANG! The duo had slammed the back door and were now running frantically away while the wolf blew down Porky’s cottage like he did Piggy’s. Their last hope was their little brother’s house, Paunchy’s large brick house.
Description
Porky’s and Piggy’s exhaustion could not be hidden from Paunchy. In his large, comfortable house, furnished with a lot of furniture already, his brothers lay panting on the rug. their faces were smeared with mud, their bodies wet from sweat and they were dirtying the rug! The huge growls from the wolf could be heard and the brothers shivered, frightened.
Thoughts
Hey! I wonder why I let them in… But there are my brothers… Although there are dirtying my carpet, and draping mud all over my furniture! But I suppose my brick house is really strong, and can’t be blown donw! It better be, I can’t take a risk like that, I don’t want to die!
March 5th, 2007 at 2:36 am
Sorry… in my ‘action’ paragraph, it is could, not ‘cuold’… and it is Although Piggy had a head start, not start
March 5th, 2007 at 5:20 am
Three little pigs…I know it’s a bit long…sorry!
Exposition:
There was once a family of three little pigs with papa and mama pig in a small and cozy cottage next to a thick black forest. They were very happy little pigs – except for one thing. Each of them did so wish that he could have a proper home of his own. It was all they had ever hoped for, all they had ever dreamed about. Then one day, mama and papa pig told them to build their own houses and lead their own independent lives. In high spirits, each of the pigs happily set out in different directions. However, what they did not know was that behind the dark gloomy woods, a big bad wolf stood there, watching the pieces of juicy pork meat trotting nearer to him…
Dialogue:
“Are you done with your packing? Be quick, I haven’t got time to wait for you all day.”
“Wait a minute,” said the eldest pig, panting.
“But I have been waiting for the past two hours! Hurry up!”
“Please, I haven’t tidied my room in my whole life!”
“Are you done? Leave out the unnecessary things then” Mother pig pestered impatiently.
“Yes mother,” chorused the three little pigs, scurrying out of their rooms, dragging their huge suitcases along at last.
Action:
Mama pig flung the smelly dirty clothes at the two pigs. Benny and Kenny ducked the flying garments just in time, then picking them up again. Mama pig just shook her head in dismay, looking at the empty suitcases, then at the two hopeless pigs. Then, papa pig came storming out of his room, holding a long stick in one hand. The two pigs immediately leapt out of the house, leaving their belongings behind…
Meanwhile, Lenny is all ready to set off, trailing a barrow of bricks behind his back…
Description:
Everyone would frown at the muddy, oversized pig who called himself the eldest of the three. His stout and rounded pork body was the perfect dinner any hungry wolf craved for. The second little pig was no better. Every new shirt that was bought for him would immediately tear the next day, with the increased weight that he put on each day. However, the youngest pig was different. He was too thin and lanky to be considered a pig and his ears were always glowing pink under the sun.
Thoughts (wolf):
Ah…the time has come at last, when the three little pigs would set off in different directions to build their own unstable houses. How can anyone resist three pieces of juicy pork meat nice and tender well done with teriyaki sauce? I bet you wouldn’t! And now I have the perfect chance to sink my teeth into one of the best quality pork in this region! Well, consider the flabby pig, who claims himself to be the eldest of the three little pigs, he would do just right for a scrumptious candlelight meal for 2. But for someone like me, that second eldest pig would be perfect for me, with not too much fats for a healthy wolf. But how can you let go of the third pig so easily? Of course I wouldn’t if a healthy meal of lean pork would do me good.
March 5th, 2007 at 7:08 am
Three little pigs
One sunny morning, when the three pigs were lying in the unsightly pool of mud, their mother stood in the doorway and shouted out to them. Upon hearing the news that they had to leave the house immediately because their time had come to live separately from their parents, the three pigs’ mouth dropped to the ground. They trotted reluctantly towards their room and started packing. A new adventure was about to begin.
March 5th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Three little pigs
And there is was, with dirty nails clawed into the bark of the tree it was hiding behind. As it sniggered at the three porky, juicy pigs trotting out of their house, oblivious to their surroundings and the watcher. It’s big grey feet sunk into the muddy ground and he shuffled them excitedly. It’s body smelt of trash and it’s teeth remained unpicked. It tip-toed in the direction it’s meal was heading in.
March 5th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
(I know that they are rather long, but hope you enjoy them.)
Exposition
Once upon a time, in a land far away, a princess lived with her vain yet beautiful stepmother- the queen. Her father had died not long ago after marrying his new wife and had left all of his possessions to her. She, jealous of Snow White’s beauty, worried that Snow White might be the fairer than her, forced Snow White to become a servant working in the castle. However, Snow White still grew up a lovely girl, and one day, the queen’s magic mirror announced that Snow White was the fairest beauty of them all.
Dialogue
“Oh mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest beauty of them all?”
“Err… Well, to be very truthful…”
The vain queen glared at the mirror with annoyance. “Who is it?! Tell me!!”
“Oh fair lady, it is…none other than Snow White. The fairest beauty of them all is the lovely princess Snow White, the one who has made you number two.”
“What?! Her! That princess I keep as a servant is the fairest of them all! How can that be? I should be the fairest beauty, not her!”
The queen stared down at Snow White from the window, her mind full of vengeance and with the thought- the fairest beauty shall die.
Action
She stood there, silent. Her stepmother was ranting at her again. She screamed to her stepmother in her raging heart. She saw a gold goblet fly towards her but she ducked too late. The goblet cut past her fair cheek and she felt a trickle of blood flowing down her cheek. However, she had taken ample revenge. The teapot she had been holding had dropped from her hands, hitting the queen in the face. The hot scalding tea dripped from the queen’s damp hair as she mouthed an “Out!”
Description
Snow White’s fair beauty shone through her peasant clothing. Just with one glance, anyone could still tell that she had royal blood. The porcelain white skin of Snow White and her soft hands, unlike the callused ones of most peasants would be the first thing that struck you, though she was forced to work as a servant. She had an aura of innocence, kindness and sweetness around her, both in her character and beauty. She, by nature, was forgiving at heart, but her stepmother, who took joy in seeing her tortured, spent every day trying her patience, waiting in delight for the day she might break.
Thoughts
Oh, what torture would the day bring? It wasn’t right that she be degraded to work as a lowly servant, having to please her stepmother to survive. She knew that her stepmother would not hesitate to kill her. However, she never seemed to be right in anything. If she did this, then she should have done that. There was always more work and more scolding to endure. No matter how she tried, there was only suffering around every corner. Sometimes, she felt like succumbing, giving up. How dare Stepmother, no, the Queen make me undergo such torment after everything Papa did for her?!
March 5th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Exposition
There were once three little pigs who lived with their mother from the moment that they were born until now. But one day, the pigs were asked by their mother to leave the house and try to be independent little pigs. So, they left the house. The oldest pig built a house made of straw and commented that only a hurricane could blow it down while the second pig who built a house out of tree boughs and twigs, did not feel too assured. But, the cleverest pig among them all, the little pig, built a house made of bricks, sacrificing play time just to have his safety. Observing them in the midst of the woods, the big bad wolf decided to tackle the pigs in order of seniority. The first pig’s house was blown down like a twig while the second pig’s house couldn’t be compared to the house made of bricks. Afraid for their lives, the pigs ran to their brother’s house for refuge. However he might try, the wolf could not blow down the brick house! Feeling disgruntled, the wolf left to find new game, leaving the pigs, allowing them to live happily ever after. For the time being…….
Dialogue
Wolf (disguised as a herbivorous sheep with protruding long legs): “Little pigs….let me come in! A…..a…..huge wolf is terrorizing my fellow companions. I…we…need help desperately!
Pigs: “We can’t. This house which my brother built is TOO small. We can’t house a sheep, let alone a whole group!
Wolf (sneering): Oh really? Well then, I just have to expand it!
(A “hurricane” reduced the house to a wreck)
Pigs (shouting in unison): RUN!!!!!
Action
The wolf stealthily crept to the third pig’s house. Checking it out, he hid in a bush, awaiting the pigs to come running. When they finally appeared, he leapt out with a snarl, teeth bared, claws extended, towards the little pigs! They shrieked and ran in all directions. But, unfortunately for the wolf, the door suddenly banged open and hit him on the nose, allowing the pigs to enter with only a scratch….on the door.
Thoughts
Those pigs would be scrumptious…..I haven’t eaten pig for a long time. Honing my wolfish senses in the depths of the dark woods, I slipped from shadow to shadow, finally, pouncing on the appetizing pigs. But, those annoying little pigs just SLIPPED out of my grasp like water! And their brother had the nerve to smack me on my nose when it was very sensitive!
Description
The mangy wolf crept slowly through the woods and shrewdly deduced that the pigs would soon come running to the remaining house. They did. He leapt out at the foolish pigs that were making their way for the red house in which their brother stayed. Saliva flecked his mouth as he attacked. The pigs fled, but banging into each other.
March 5th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Well, Gary Lim, I wonder whether the last entry was really in the description narrative mode. You would spend more time ‘describing’ a character, place or object that plays a significant role in the story. remeber the key word is “DESCRIBE”.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Thoughts:
I’d wish I’d built my house properly instead of playing with my brother. the wolf is closing down on me!! I feel he is on my tail!! literally and figuritively!!!!!! I can only use my running skills to save myself. oh yes, doged that wreched wolf by twisting and turning. Ah my brothers house is there. sharp turn to the left legs, good one!!!!!! Oh no, I’m still being chased Ah the door is open. I’ll tell my brother what has happened. why is he looking at me like that??? shut the door tight. My legs need rest, they feel as soft as paper mache (me-chae) oh no, not again, that dammed wolf is blowing the house down, Here we go again !!!! Oh no, he’s pouncing, I can barley see my shadow… that means that AHHHH!!!!!!!!! PANIC STATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he’s on top of me !!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 9th, 2007 at 10:21 am
My pathethic three little pigs hopes you likes it
The wolf crouched beneath the bush, body quivering with excitement as he saw his next unsuspecting victim, a young fat and delicious pig walk towards him. He had been starving for days, barely surviving on meagre scraps of leftovers from other animals meals. His ribs could easily be seen sticking out now. He needed this meal. The pig was near enough now. He pounced upon the pig, his maw stretched to the maxmum, preparing to snap off the pigs hand with a bite. The pig caught a glimpse of the wolf and sidestepped with a amazing agility for one so fat. He elbowed the wolf in his hips and kneed him in the groin. Pain exploded in the wolfs body and he fell back, pain momentarily overwhelming him. The pig backed away, unsure of what to do. The wolf shook off the pain and snarled at the pig, rage overcoming him, battle light in his eyes. He bared his fangs and and charged at the pig, trying to head butt him. But instead of slamming into the pig like he intended to do, He veered off course and slammed into a tree instead. Stars exploded before him. The impact of the crash drove the wolf stumbling backwards. He quickly recovered from and bounded along the trail of broken branches and turned up earth caused by the pig’s panicky attempt to escape. ” Not so easy” the wolf said and bounded on, his legs fueled by his desperation for a good meal.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:23 am
sorry spelling error
maxmum is maximum
March 9th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
walk is walking
March 10th, 2007 at 1:04 am
I found out that Liang Ping likes to discribe a lot and put in lots of action. Anyway, here’s mine.
Three little pigs…
EXPOSITION! (Once upon a time)
Once upon a time, on the edge of a forest far far away, there lived a mother pig and her three sons, Porky (the eldest), Pinchy (the second eldest) and Perky (the youngest). Porky and Pinchy loved the mud and would chose to play all day with each other. The other one, Perky, was very hardworking. He was also always trying to improve things and knew quite a lot of things as he was always at home trying out things, experimenting, asking questions. When Mother Pig saw that her three sons had grown quite big and quite knowledgeable (Of course this is not quite true for Porky and Pinchy), she told the pigs that they were ready to go out into the outside world. Nobody said a word, because Porky and Pinchy were startled by the idea. However, Perky’s brain was frantically thinking: what should I use to build my house? And where?
THOUGHTS! (as seen in the wolf’s brain)
I can see it now. My breakfast in the brick house, my lunch in the wooden house and my dinner in the straw house. It’s so late already, and yet I had not had dinner. I think I shall have it now. Hmmm… What a study house you got. Let me test my lung power! Wow! blown to peices already! What’s my dinner doing? No! It’s getting away! Stop! I haven’t had dinner yet! Come Back! Surrender now! You can’t get away from me. You shall be used to fill in the space in my stomach! COME BACK!
Will be posting more paragraphs in the different modes later. Right now I’m busy trying to catch my dinner and stuff it in my mouth. (pun intended)
March 11th, 2007 at 8:49 am
2) The Three Little Pigs: Dialogue
Wolf:”You’ll never manage to run away from me, little piggy. I’m WAY to fast!”
Youngest Pig:”I don’t really care *pant*; I’m just trying to *pant* run as fast as my little *pant* pig legs can carry me!”
Wolf:”Looks like you’re getting tired. Why don’t you just give up and say your last prayers. You’ll be saving me a trifle load of energy!”
Youngest Pig:”No can do *pant*! I’ll be saving myself a *pant* LIFE if I manage to *pant* get away!”
Wolf:”You are forcing me, little piggy, you would have to learn the fodd chain the HARD way. Well, not really hard but the PAIN way.”
Youngest Pig:”Wait a second, you are not *pant* going to pounce ON me *pant* would you? Not when I just *pant* polished my back?”
Wolf:”Sorry little piggy, you used up your last words. Now say…UMPH! AWWWWWWWWW! You are going to pay you little insolent mutt!”
Youngest Pig:”*pant* Whoa, lucky I reached your wooden hut soon enough, Bro. Thanks a lot.”
Second Youngest Pig:”No problem, dude. Hey want a mud bath?”
Wolf:”Open up piggies, or I’ll huff and puff and blow your house down!”
Youngest Pig:”There I go again!”
March 12th, 2007 at 3:59 am
More paragraphs of the three little pigs.
Dialogue:
Wolf: You are too stupid. I have already blown down two of your houses. Do you think the third one can stop me from having my dinner?
Porky and Pinchy to Perky: Brother, I know you have an intelligent brain. Please, save our souls.
Perky to Porky and Pinchy: Don’t worry. I have a plan.
Wolf: I heard you. Your plan won’t work. I shall blow your house down.
(Wolf attempts to blow the house into pieces.)
Wolf: Wah. So strong. Then I’ll climb up the chimney and get you!
Perky: No, you shall not.
(Perky lights up the fireplace.)
Description:
The wolf, now hidding in a thick bush, was planning who to become today’s dinner. He was extremely hungry, and thought that Porky, full of fats and meat, would do a meal. The second, Pinchy, was a little smaller in size, but had lots of fats and meat too. The last, Perky, had little meat, and though extremly small in size, a healthy feast of lean pork meat would do him good for once. The wolf had a tough time thinking, and when he was done, he decided that he wanted a feast, and that Porky would be his first target.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:27 am
A paragraph on the tree little pigs story in action!
The wolf chased the two furiously, suprised by the speed of the pigs. the pigs ran around in circles, trying to confuse the wolf, and then they ran off to their brother’s house. the wolf ran with all his might, only to be met with a solid, strong stone door. The wolf kicked and banged the door, but it would not budge. The wolf, cold and hungry, could feel warmth in the house. He took a deep breath, a blew at the house, but all that happened was that the blowing had him tired and even more cold and hungry.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:29 am
I’m not really sure what action means. It is also similar to discribing, as the author discribs the actions.
March 12th, 2007 at 4:59 am
I’m not quite sure how to do it… but here it is…Charlotte’s Web…
Exposition:
Fern cried, stopping in front of her father, pulling the axe off from his sturdy hands. She could not see why he needed to “do away” with an innocent newborn pig.
It was the time of the year when the sparrows would sing their melodious tunes and the grass was wet and the earth would smell of springtime. In a small barnyard of the Arable family, a pig, small and weak, was born to the injustice of this world, where a young girl would save it from the brake of death.
Dialogue:
“Fern get out of the way!” John Arable ordered.
“Unless you put that axe down, or else I won’t”
“Stop being so arrogant, that pig is a runt, it only makes trouble to the litter and nothing else”
“If you can kill a pig, you might as well chop off my head!”
“Of course not,” Mr. Arable smiled, looking at his daughter with love. “A little girl is one thing, a little runty pig is another.”
“I don’t see the difference,”
Action:
Pushing a chair out of the way, Fern dashed outdoors, running across the wet grass and muddy puddles. She stopped in front of her father, blocking his way. She took hold of her father’s axe and tried to pull it from his hands with such might that her father almost lost his balance. But John Arable took hold of his axe again. “Scram!” he said. Tears of utter fury ran down Fern’s cheeks, hot and annoyed of the injustice the world has become.
All this happened while an innocent little runty pig celebrates the second day it was born to this blissful world…
Description:
The piglet was a fine specimen of a pig, no bigger than a white rat, squealing among his ten other brothers and sisters. This particular pig was what farmers call a spring pig, which simply means that he was born in springtime. When the sun shone on his radiant white skin, his ears would turn pink and would look as if he were blushing.
However small this puny pig was, it was destined to see the many springs to come, which was not the fate of ordinary pigs. His name was Wilbur.
Thoughts (Wilbur):
I was happily living in that nice hoghouse with my ten other brothers and sisters when an old man threatened to kill me with a big red axe. Help! Murder! I haven’t even settled down for more than two days and now I have to prepare to write my will! This was totally unfair!
As for the little girl who I know is called Fern, she is the greatest hero of all times, though I only know of one hero, and you know who’s that… Anyway, after that, I was put into a dark and empty box by that same old man who had almost tried to chop my head off. I thought he was trying to murder me again! But at the sight of that little girl named Fern carrying me up, I knew I was in safe hands. Ah…Fern, what a nice name. Oink!
March 12th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Jack and the Beanstalk: Thoughts (The Giant)
That little brat! Who does he think he is? Stealing other people’s wealth; it is daylight burglary I tell you! The fool thinks he can run away from a giant huh, I will see to it that the rotten-hearted Englishman is on th appetizers list for today’s dinner! I am coming to get you…WHOAH…OOMPH! Argh, cursed stone! Darn, he has taken advantage of my fall to get away! Oh no! He reached the beanstalk; I better move fast. Yes, I made it! Here I come Englishm…hey where did HE go to? There he is…NO! Drop that axe right this instant or I will come down and deal with you personall…AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OUFFFFFFF, that hurt. Hey I cannot breathe wh…HELP! I can’t swim! The ocean is too deep for me! Ouch, what is that thing? No,it cannot be, yes it is a…SHARK! Do not pull me down like that! AHHH, I ran out of breath *cough* HEL *gurgle* HE *gulp*
March 13th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Snow White and the 7 Dwarves: Action
Snow White ran as fast as she could, the only sound in the silent night emmited from the soles of her feet pushing onto the rough ground with every step. She looked back at the castle, wiped away a tear and continued her journey. The rough pavement eventually led to a field of soft grass, which was quickly flattened by a hurrying Snow White. The poor woman dashed straight into the trees, away from civilisation. The tired soul quickly sat down, leaning on the trunk of a tree. She looked around and making sure that nothing, neither animal nor human, was nearby, when weariness took over and envoloped her into darkness.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Three Little Pigs
“Now, I am a very good wolf.” the wolf paused for a moment to flick away a bit of flesh stuck between his teeth.
“A VERY good wolf.”
The judge glared at him for a moment, and fluffed his ruffled feathers.
“Take Mr. Wolf here to the Wolf Limbo…”
“Alright, then, not that good a wolf.”
“Do you give your solemn vow not to eat anymore chickens?”
“Yes, your honour.”
“Or any other poultry?”
“Yes your honour.”
“Give me your paw.”
The wolf sighed, and limply placed his shackled paw on the chopping board. Judge Peckins plucked one of his brilliantly coloured feathers and sharpened it to a needle sharp point. In one quick motion, he cut deeply into the wolf’s already scarred paw. The wolf barely winced
“Okay, now that I have given my blood promise, can I go now…?”
The judge curtly pecked his agreement and hopped out of the courtyard into the chicken coop.
“Get off me!” the wolf paused only to shake some coopers off his back. Then he bodly swaggered onto the road, toward the porky homestead.
The Porky Pigs had signed the declaration of non-poultriness a month ago.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:48 am
Snow White and the 7 dwarves
Exposition:
The evil queen was very angry that Snow White, her step-daughter, has taken her place as the most beautiful lady in the world and so, sent for the huntsman to kill her and bring her heart back as proof that she is dead. The huntsman, who is not even loyal to the evil queen, cannot bring himself to kill the daughter of the good king that he had served, decided to let Snow White run away. Instead, he killed a wild boar and took its heart in place of Snow White’s.
Dialogue:
“Snow White, please forgive me,” said the gruff huntsman.
“Why? What have you done wrong to ask for my forgiveness?” asked the puzzled Snow White
“I… I was sent by the evil queen to kill you and bring your heart back,” he replied.
Snow White gasped.
“But… but I can’t bring myself to kill you.”
“Run princess,” he added quietly after a moment’s hesitation.
“Then what if she finds out?”
“Don’t worry about me. Run princess. Run as far as you can. I will find another way out.”
With that, Snow White turned and ran deep into the forests, without knowing where she was going.
Action/Description(1):
Deep into the dark, horrifying woods she stumbled. It was near dusk and the light was failing her. The heavens were roaring and threatening to open any time soon as Snow White tried to find a place for shelter. The birds were flying back to their home in the leafless trees. Big drops of rain came pattering down mercilessly, all of them trying to hit their running target. The winds were against her, causing her to struggle to run with her wet, heavy dress which was flying in different directions all at once. Trying to take cover from the oncoming storm seemed an impossible task, as did poor Snow White find out.
Action/Description(2):
The branches scratched her pulled at her silky hair, causing her eyes to tear painfully. The roots of the trees which seemed to be growing bigger and wider every second made her trip fall on all fours, splashing her face with soil and mud. Snow White screamed at the thought of being killed by her stepmother. Her clean new dress had just taken a makeover and she was bleeding from her cuts.
Thoughts:
Where am I going? Why is this place so… full of dark magic? Oh no! I don’t have much time left for me to get out of this evil place before dark – what am I going to do if I get trapped here for the night? No! Not rain! Not winds! Not at this time! Just when I’m in a rush to get out of this filthy place, you HAD to come. Please come again another day! You could rain for three whole days after I’ve got myself out of here! I bet you my step-mother’s castle that something’s going to devour me before light comes. Oh no… Mummy! Bleugh!
*At this point of time, Snow White had fallen into the pool of mud.
March 14th, 2007 at 2:07 am
Exposition
Once upon a time, in a farm deep in the jungle, there lived three well-fed pigs and their mother. Soon, the pigs had grown big enough and it was time for them to say good-bye to their comfortable home. On this fateful day, mother pig called her three sons to her sty and told them the news. The pigs reluctantly left their mother and went out into the wild forest.
March 14th, 2007 at 2:23 am
Description
The obese, corpulent, podgy wolf heaved itself out of the thick bush and lumbered slowly and noisily towards the first pig’s house. The first pig’s house was made out of thick, wooden sticks that he had bought from a lean and muscular farmer pushing them towards the market in hope of a good price and money.
March 14th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Dialogue
“Come out of there or I will blow your house down!”
“Never will I listen to your horrible request!”
“I’m giving you one more chance to come out of there! If you come out, I may even consider sparing you!”
“Haha! I will never ever listen to your lies. Anyway, my house WILL not fall down!”
“Oh yes it will!”
“Oh no it wouldn’t!”
“So are you coming out?”
“For a last time, NO!”
“Fine!”
March 14th, 2007 at 4:37 am
Charlotte’s Web
Beggining of chapter 1: Before breakfast featuring fern and Mr Arable in the hoghouse…
What’s papa going to do with that axe? and to the hoghouse! I don;t see why he would be needing an axe in the hoghouse. What? A runt? and papa’s just doing to kill it all because it’s a runt? and now you think that what I said was wrong and that I needed to control myself? It’s a meatter of life and death, and now you are telling me to control myself?
March 14th, 2007 at 4:49 am
Exposition
Fern Arable was, by default, a person who cared for animals. Her parents, Mr and Mrs Arable, had a hoghouse. She also had a brother called Avery. One day, Mr Arable went to the hoghouse carrying an axe along. Fern saw it and asked her mother what he was going to do. When Fern realised that her father was actually going there because there was a runt and her father was going to do away with it, Fern ran after her father and begged him not to kill it, he did not agree. However, Fern was very reluctant to give up and her fater had to give in instead. Mr Arable then let Fern raise the runt.
Description (sorry it’s a bit too short. Could not get 80 words to write.)
Fern was already running out of the house, heading to where her father was. “Please don’t kill it! It’s unfair!” She sobbed. Tears were running down her checks, and she grabbed for her father’s axe, trying to pull it away from her father’s hand. “
March 14th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Sorry Mr. Grosse, I did the five narrative modes on the three different fairy tales. Please accept my humble apologies.Anyway, here are The Three Little Pigs: Expostition
Once upon a time (this was the ony phrase I could think of, despite of its reckless usage) there were three little pigs, Big bother Patchy, Second brother Potchy and Youngest brother Putchy. Patchy had both brains and brawns, Potchy would ensure that food enters his mouth every minute in the day, and Putchy was as innocent and cute as ever. One day, the three brothers decided that they were mature enough to survive on their own and set off on an adventure. Firstly, they decided that they neded a roof over their heads and thus went around looking for mateials to build their new home. Little did they know of ravenous wolf lurking in the shadows of the woods, licking his mouth at the very moment Patchy, Potchy and Putchy moved out.
March 15th, 2007 at 1:51 am
3 little pigs
Dialogue
“Hey fellow piggy brothers! Lets make our own houses and stand on our own feet like mother told us to!”
“Ok!” and they set of building their houses
“I’m done with my house of STRAW!!Yippee!”
“Me too! I’m done with my house of WOOD! Yay!”
“Me three! I’m done with my house of BRICKS AND CEMENT! Hurrah!”
“Three little piggys, playing in their house. And a huff and a puff and I’ll blow their house down!”
“Oh no! Let’s go inside!”
Action
The big bad wolf huffed and puffed and blew the straw house down, and little Hammy raced to hide in his brother Bacony’s house of wood just before the wolf could eat him. But with another huff and puff, the house of wood was blown down! They raced to the last house which was made of bricks for their lives. Porky, who was inside, opened the door to let them in and shut the door to smash the wolf’s face.
Description
Hammy, the most playful, jubilant, youngest and lazy pig of them all, made a house of straw for it was the lightest. On the other side, hardworking, diligent and brainy Porky, who was the eldest, made a house of bricks and cemented them together, and did not mind the extra weight compared to the straw. Bacony was in the middle and made a house of wood.
Thoughts
Boy, I haven’t eaten in three days and I’m starving. Hey look, three nice little juicy , meaty and fatty pigs are just what i need to satisfy my hunger. What are they doing? Building houses of straw?Wood?Hah! I can blow those down just by breathing at them! But wait, one of them’s making a house of bricks and cement. That is one tough pig. A house like that would be too tuff to puff!
Exposition
A few years ago, there were 3 little pigs. But after awhile they weren’t so little anymore and their mother told them to go live by themselves since they were old enough to. Little did they know that there was a big, bad wolf that was waiting to eat them once the opportuinity comes…
March 15th, 2007 at 5:12 am
Snow white and the seven dwarves
Dialogue
“Go and clean the balcony!”
“But… but its dangerous!”
“I said clean it! If I don’t see the balcony spotless by noon, you can very well eat your slippers!”
“But… but-”
“NO BUTS! NOW GO CLEAN THE BALCONY!
“Yes mother…..”
“Good!”
“Oh bother, I just hope I won’t fall down! How I wish my father was still alive, he would fixed everything.”
“What did you just say? Repeat it!”
“Err… nothing! I was just mumbling to myself.”
“For the last time! Do not, I repeat- DO NOT slack off the job!”
“Yes mother…”
Action
Snow White nimbly stepped onto the ledge of the balcony and began wiping. She could hear distinctly the sounds of her mother shrieking like a furious banshee about how the afternoon meal was to be cooked.Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves clicking and clacking along the cobble stones of the court yard could be heard very distinctly. Snow white turned around in surprise, and saw a handsome prince. At once,Snow White could hear thunderous shouts, commanding her to ‘mind your own business’ and ‘not to be such a busybody’. Snow White hurried on with her work.
Description
Snow White was a pretty and innocent girl. Her skin was as white as the purest snow, hence her name, and her eyes, oh her eyes, how they shone in the moonlight! Though she was made to wear dresses with tears and tatters all over them, they made no attempt to mask her beauty. She was always helping people, including her spoiled evil step-mother, who found great joy in hurting people.
Thoughts
Why did she have to work like a slave when she could live a simple and easy life? Why did her father and mother have to die so quickly? It just wasn’t fair! Since then, for everyday of her miserable period of existence,she had to perform backbreaking household chores that only a poor servant should have done, and also got meager rations not even enough to feed a rat. Furthermore, she had to endure her step-mother’s insults and taunts, and not even retaliate. Oh, how often she wished the day would come where her step-mother would disappear somehow and she could live a life of luxury.Since when did dreams come true? Bah, this was just another foolish fantasy.
Exposition
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived an evil step-mother with her step-daughter in a richly decorated palace. The father had died a short while ago. Though the step-mother lived in the lap of luxury, the daughter, Snow White, who’s skin was white as the purest snow, hence her name, slaved herself out performing her step-mother’s near impossible tasks. This went on, for a very long time,till one day, a mysterious but very handsome prince found his way into the palace……
March 15th, 2007 at 8:09 am
The Three Little Pigs: Description
Patchy, though the oldest of the three brothers, was still a young pig, just as a fifteen year old is compared with the lifespan of an average human. He, just like his other cousins, still loved to play in the mud, but beware, under the cute chubby face covered with muk is a strong and brave spirit, constantly wielding its sword and baring its shield, ready to not make flight, but fight. Potchy, as his name suggests, is capable of clearing the pot-like trough, ensuring that at least half the portion during meal time is devoted to his stomach. Never judge a pig by how chubby he is, they always say, as this is most applicable to Potchy. He could pack a punch if anyone, be it stealthily or not, picks at his food. Putchy, the most innocent of the group is loved upon by many other relatives. He, unlike most other mature pigs, is unable to move the light boulder by the side of the farm. Many other pigs look down on the youngster, in an attempt to disgrace him in front of his brothers. However, they would hit for the hay stack when dusk falls, with several bruises landed by the one and only Patchy. Putchy was simply not to be looked down on; he has his big brother’s spirit, determined and striving never to give up, he would continue to finish up incomplete tasks, including rolling the boulder. Unfortunately he incorporated some of Potchy’s appetite.
March 17th, 2007 at 2:45 am
3 little pigs
Dialogue
“Don’t slack! WE need to create a house soon before the wolf comes again! We must not be eaten by that big bad wolf!”
“Ok!” said the other 2 pigs, Porky and Picky.
” I am done creating my own house out of straw!”
” I am done creating my own house out of bricks!”
” I am done creating my own house out of wood!”
” A huff, puff and you shall be my breakfast!”
” Oh No! Better hide!” And the pigs when into their own houses.
Action
The wolf stepped closer, huffing and puffing. First he blew at Picky’s straw house. It disintegrated immediately. Picky quickly ruched to hide in his brother, Porki’s house. But the wolf was fast. Soon, Both were running to hide in Popp’s house. The wolf blew as hard as he could but the house made of bricks was indestuctable. The wolf gave up and ran away empty- handed.
Description
As the pigs knew that the wolf was coming, they quickly went to build a house. Picky, being the laziest of all, chose to build the house out of straw. Porki, the one that likes to take shortcuts a lot just chose some wood from his garden and built his house. However, Popp was the most hardworking and so he took the time to build a house made of bricks!
Thoughts
Hmm! my tummy’s rumbling. Let’s see what should I eat today? Pigs? Yeah pigs! Look at those 2 little piggs making their houses out of straw and wood. Those should be easy to get! But wait! that house is made out of bricks! That is one smart pig. I just I have to use my most powerful breath!
Exposition
Three little pigs were not so little anymore. SO, their mother said that she could not shield them anymore and they had to fend for themselves. She also told them that there was a big bad wolf out there, waiting to pounce on them. The pigs listened to their mother and got ready to leave home. But the wolf had heard everything and was rubbing his hands evily, grinning….
March 17th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Thoughts: Three Little Pigs
That Piggy brother of mine… whats his name? Perky? Pinky? Porky? Oh, no, not Porky. That’s me. Never mind, its that nerdy guy with glasses always perched on his snout, reading some book or another. Ha! Never seen him without a book. Why, the other time, I saw him with some book with an awful drawing of a two-legger, a spider, a lamb, a goose, and the most ugly pig I’ve ever seen. My brother said that the book was about the friendship between a pig named ummm… Witur? Willur? Willia? Maybe William. Yeah. Must be that… William. What a goody-goody name! and… what was I talking about anyway? Never mind. It doesn’t matter. leave the mind arts to that brother of mine. I am so ashamed to call him brother. Why, imagine comparing that scrawny piggy to me! The finest specimen of Pig ever lived! Look at that shiny skin! those perfect silky roundness! Those tasteful mudspots spattered on my face! I’d say, even my second brother, who’s a good sort, can’t stand to me! I am the best! And who dares to compete with me is a fool! Even wolves stand in awe of me! I am the bravest in the land. Wait… wait a minnit. that face looking at me through the window of my artfully done straw house… Where have I seen that face before? Let’s see… Yellow, sharp teeth, pointed ears, cunning eyes… doesn’t look like one of my fan club… Hmm… maybe some piggy gone wrong. Why, look at his skin! It looks like fur, all brown, like a wolf’s… A wolf? Help!!!
March 19th, 2007 at 2:38 am
Snow White and the 7 dwarves
Exposition
Once upon a time in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a queen who wanted to have a daughter. Her wish was soon fulfilled and the princess was named Snow White. Sadly, when Snow White was very little, the queen died and the king remarried to a beautiful
but vain lady. She was easily jealous and hated Snow White to the core.
Dialogue
“Huntsman, take Snow White into the forest and kill her. NOW!”
“Yes, O Queen.”
“Make sure she knows nothing of it, or she will run away.”
“Of course, O Queen.”
“When you have killed her, cut out her heart and bring it home to me. I will eat it and rejoice. Now go!!!”
“At once, Your Majesty.”
Thoughts
How could the mirror say that servant girl of a princess is the most beautiful!? The fairest in the land should be ME!
But the mirror never lies. In that case, I will have to kill her. Yes, I will have the huntsman take her into the forest
and kill her, and I shall tell the king that she wandered off and was torn apart by the wild beasts. Then I will be the
fairest once more!
Action
Snow White winced as the porcelain vase crashed into the wall behind her and shattered, the broken pieces cutting her bare legs.
Already, she had had to avoid the five perfume bottles and mirror, barely getting out of the way in time. A cut on her hand
from two days before had opened again, trailing blood on the carpeted floor. At least now the queen had nothing else to
throw at her. Snow White heaved a sigh of relief. However, her stepmother unexpectedly picked up the chair she had been
sitting on and hurled it across the room at the princess.
Description
As Snow White grew older, her stepmother’s attempts to diminish her beauty failed miserably. With lips as red as blood,
hair as black as night and skin as fair as snow, she was easily the most beautiful in the land. Added to that was her
own patient and loving personality. She treated everyone equally and with kindness, and even animals would flock around
her. Her innocence and positive outlook in life touched the hearts of those around her, and she was known throughout the kingdom.
March 19th, 2007 at 4:52 am
Action: piggies
as the wolf was deciding on which pig to eat, he saw a straw house. That would be ideal for blowing down. he thought with a snigger. he blew the house wide open. the pig, having no place to run, begged for mercy. The wolf tore his flesh apart. bright red blood gushed out of the big’s fat round body. The wolf, now laughing demonically, threw the poor pig in the air and bayoneted him. he drained the pigs blood for dirinking that night. after roasting him in a fire in the night, the wolf spared no mercy and wasted no time devouring the pig and ripped the flesh from the pigs bones. he sipped the blood. he was clearly enjoying himself. He was hated by many people and some would call him a saddist.
March 21st, 2007 at 6:29 am
Is description always entangled with action (if it’s an anticipating scene)?
How are you supposed to write description of an anticipating scene without action? Unless u call that “description” in an anticipating scene “action”.
Hmm I’m confused… Someone please answer!!!
btw, is the 2nd exercise compulsary?
March 25th, 2007 at 1:30 am
I’m not so sure myself, Gloria. If when describing a character, then they will not clash. But let’s say we are describing the weather (e.g Thunder rolled and lightning crackled) it’s both description and action, especially if you add a character in sometime about there.