Analysis of Narrative/(Short) Story Elements:
Plot
Describe the exposition:
In the beginning of "Nameless," we learn about the main character. She has trouble understanding who she is and where she fits in. Although she lives in a community that shares her culture, she feels lonely and lost. She does not know her name and worries about her purpose in life.
Describe the rising action:
As the story continues, the protagonist interacts with her family and friends. She attends cultural ceremonies and thinks about her past. She feels a lot of pressure and understands that her name is important. The tension grows as she has to confront her feelings of not being good enough.
Describe the climax:
The climax happens when the protagonist faces her fears about her identity during an important cultural ceremony. This is a key moment because she must decide whether to accept herself and her name or continue feeling lost and invisible.
Describe the falling action:
After the climax, the protagonist starts to accept who she is. She learns about the importance of her name and what it means in her culture. The reactions from her family and friends show that she is beginning to find peace within herself.
Describe the resolution:
The story concludes when the protagonist confidently claims her name. She feels a sense of calm, now that she understands her identity, and she can move forward with pride.
Setting
What is the mood of this story? What proof/evidence (i.e. quote directly from the text) do you have when determining mood?
The mood of the story is reflective and thoughtful. We see this in the sentence, “She often sat by the window, staring at the trees as if they held her answers.” This shows the protagonist’s deep thoughts about her life.
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, filled with a longing for something more. For example, the text states, “The air was thick with unspoken words, binding her to the past.” This creates a feeling of tension and unfulfilled desires.
How are mood and atmosphere connected? What distinguishes the two?
- Mood: The way the character/narrator speaks in the text, making the reader feel a certain emotion.
- Atmosphere: The way a place or setting is described, influencing how the reader feels about it.
To distinguish the two, consider how you feel about the description of a given moment or place.
Narrative Point of View
What is the narrative point of view of this story? How do you know?
The story is told in the first-person point of view. We know this because the main character uses “I” to share her thoughts and feelings, such as when she says, "I felt the weight of my namelessness."
Character
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)?
The protagonist is a dynamic character. She changes throughout the story. For example, she says, “I did not recognize myself in the mirror, my reflection felt like a stranger.” This shows her initial struggle. Later, she reflects, “With each ceremony, I felt a part of me awakening,” indicating her growth.
- Character type(s): Dynamic
- Proof/evidence 1 (quote from text): “I did not recognize myself in the mirror, my reflection felt like a stranger.”
- Proof/evidence 2 (quote from text): “With each ceremony, I felt a part of me awakening.”
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): The protagonist's mother
Character type(s): Supporting character
Proof/evidence (quote from text): “She always reminded me of my heritage, sharing stories of our ancestors.” -
Character 2 (name): The protagonist's friend
Character type(s): Static character
Proof/evidence (quote from text): “She never seemed to struggle with her identity, always confident in who she was.”
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 main character deals with internal conflict about her identity and her connection to her culture. She feels isolated and confused about her name. This conflict is shown when she thinks, “I often wondered if a name could define who I am.”
Theme
What is the primary theme of this story?
The main theme of the story is the search for identity and belonging.
What might be some other/secondary themes of this story?
Other themes include the significance of cultural heritage and the meaning of names.
How is a topic different from a theme?
The topic is what the story is about (identity), while the theme reveals deeper messages about that topic (how identity shapes our lives).
Other Questions (Reading Strategies):
Summary:
How would you summarize this story in 2-3 sentences?
In "Nameless," a young woman works to understand her identity and the absence of a name that reflects who she truly is. Throughout her journey, she discovers her culture and ultimately embraces who she really is.
Key Terms & Concepts (from Indigenous cultures):
What is a hogan?
A hogan is a traditional home of the Navajo people, viewed as a sacred place representing home and community.
What are the Seven Sacred Teachings?
The Seven Sacred Teachings are important lessons in many Indigenous cultures that guide how to live a good life. These teachings include love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth, and wisdom.
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?
In the letter from Leslie Moves Camp, it says to bring tobacco to offer Elder Thomas. Tobacco is important in Indigenous cultures as it is used in spiritual practices and as a sign of respect. It represents honor and connection to the Creator.
Questioning
(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: Why does the protagonist feel disconnected from her name?
Question 2: How will claiming her name change her life?
(After-reading questions): What question(s) do you still have after reading this story?
What will happen to her relationships after she finds her identity?