Analysis of Narrative/(Short) Story Elements:
Plot
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Describe the exposition: The exposition introduces us to the protagonist, whose identity is shrouded in mystery. We learn about their struggles and the world around them.
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Describe the rising action: As the story progresses, the protagonist encounters challenges that reveal their personal conflicts, including feelings of isolation and a search for identity.
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Describe the climax: The climax occurs when the protagonist faces a critical turning point that forces them to confront their deepest fears and make an important decision about their identity.
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Describe the falling action: After the climax, we see the consequences of the protagonist's choices which lead to a moment of realization or change.
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Describe the resolution: The resolution ties up the story by providing closure on the protagonist’s journey and how they reconcile their identity.
Setting
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What is the mood of this story? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining the mood? The mood is melancholic and introspective. An example is the quote: “I often sit in silence, wrapped in the shadows of my doubts.”
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What is the atmosphere of this story? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining the atmosphere? The atmosphere feels heavy and reflective. For instance, “The air was thick with unspoken words, echoing the longings of the heart.”
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How are mood and atmosphere connected? What distinguishes the two? Mood relates to the emotions the reader feels, while atmosphere refers to the overall feeling of the setting. They are connected because both shape our experience of the story. Mood is how you feel, and atmosphere is the environment created by the author.
Narrative Point of View
- What is the narrative point of view of this story? How do you know? The narrative point of view is first-person. We know this because the protagonist uses “I” and shares their personal thoughts and feelings directly with the reader.
Character
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Examine the protagonist of this story. What character type(s) would they fall under? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining type(s)?
- Character type(s): Complex character.
- Proof/evidence 1 (quote from text): “I am more than what I appear to be.”
- Proof/evidence 2 (quote from text): “Inside, I wrestle with who I truly am.”
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Consider any two other characters in this story (besides the protagonist). What character type(s) would each character fall under? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining type(s)?
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Character 1 (name): Elder Thomas.
- Character type(s): Mentor character.
- Proof/evidence (quote from text): “He spoke with wisdom that only comes from years of struggle.”
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Character 2 (name): Leslie Moves Camp.
- Character type(s): Supportive friend.
- Proof/evidence (quote from text): “Leslie always knew how to cheer me up, reminding me of our shared history.”
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Continue to examine the protagonist of this story. What type of conflict(s) (internal and/or external) exist for the protagonist? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining conflict(s)?
- The protagonist faces internal conflict, struggling with their identity: “Every day feels like a battle between who I am and who I’m expected to be.” There is also external conflict when they face judgment from others: “People look at me as if they already know my story.”
Theme
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What is the primary theme of this story? The primary theme is the search for identity and self-acceptance.
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What might be some other/secondary themes of this story? Other themes include the importance of community and the struggle against societal expectations.
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How is a topic different from a theme? A topic is a subject or idea in a story, while a theme is the underlying message or lesson about that topic. For example, “identity” is a topic, while “embracing one’s true self” is a theme.
Other Questions (Reading Strategies): Summary
- How would you summarize this story in 2-3 sentences? "Nameless" is about a protagonist searching for their identity and grappling with feelings of isolation. They encounter challenges that lead them to question societal expectations. Ultimately, they find strength in their journey toward self-acceptance.
Key Terms & Concepts (from Indigenous cultures)
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What is a hogan? A hogan is a traditional Navajo dwelling, often made with wooden frames and covered with earth.
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What are the Seven Sacred Teachings? The Seven Sacred Teachings are important lessons in Indigenous cultures that focus on wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.
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Why (in the letter from Leslie Moves Camp) does it say, “Be sure to bring some tobacco to offer Elder Thomas”? What is the significance of tobacco to Indigenous peoples? Tobacco is used in many Indigenous cultures as a sacred offering and a way to connect with the spiritual world and show respect.
Questioning
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(During-reading questions): What 2 questions do you have as you are reading this story? Were they answered by the end (resolution) of the story?
- Question 1: How will the protagonist resolve their identity crisis?
- Answer: Yes, they find acceptance within themselves.
- Question 2: Will the protagonist feel supported by their community?
- Answer: Yes, they learn the value of friendship and community.
- Question 1: How will the protagonist resolve their identity crisis?
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(After-reading questions): What question(s) do you still have after reading this story? What other experiences shaped the protagonist’s feelings of isolation, and how do they plan to go forward from their journey?