This week we were asked to discuss story shapes and basic plot points outlined in our readings.
We first explored story shapes, and made some discussion regarding the purpose and intent of circular story shapes. Although it was agreed that circular story shapes are most likely to be found in narratives whose plot involves characters leaving and returning home, we all found that the books we had read over the previous week did not fit this plot line and were more easily constructed as linear story shapes. Complex shape structures, with several peaks and lows as well as ‘squiggly’ areas in between that represented chaotic events during which characters experienced happy and uncomfortable events simultaneously appeared most prominent in novels and short stories; and despite the chaos within the plot, each ended with a clear and satisfying conclusion that tied in the events of the story.
However, the picture books we examined proved to be much more complicated. One in particular presented a very confusing and ambiguous plot which we could barely decipher. Another was so depressing and had such little plot development throughout the book that we felt there was little to be said about the story shape – it might curve downwards or perhaps just point down like an arrow – but I felt that nothing substantial was gained through the reading.
The ambiguity of picture books continued in our discussion of plot points. Although we had not trouble identifying plot types for the short stories and novels that were discussed, once again we struggled to define several of the picture books. However it was our discussion about the differences between the ‘quest’ and ‘voyage and return’ plots that took up most of our conversation. I found it difficult to decipher a difference between the two types of plot, my argument being that any character embarking on a voyage is seeking something – although perhaps only metaphorically – just the same as a character on a quest. Although it was argued that a voyage and return plot refers to a character wandering far from home whilst a quest involves bringing something home, endeavouring to obtain something or complete a task, I have still somewhat failed to see a truly defined difference between the two.
It is evident to me that there is considerable overlap in plot types, particularly in novels with complicated story shapes, and that many stories are likely to contain elements from several plot types in order to enrich the narrative.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Week 3 Team Leader Summary
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I have noticed a number of picture books that have ambiguous plots. It is interesting that if I weren’t trying to analyse 'Uncle Albert's Seal' in depth I would probably just think of it as a picture book with a lot of adventures through it. Stopping to think about the meaning behind what the author is trying to say changes the feel of a book completely. I pick up on parts of the story that are written between the lines more now than I did when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that stood out most to me was the discussion of the differences between the 'quest' and the 'voyage and return' plots. I agree with what you have said. I do not see a big difference between the two and I think there are a lot of narrative plots that could fit into both of these, and a few others from the list too.
I thought it was very interesting noting the differences between a quest and a voyage and return. At first I really did not think there was much difference between the two and could not understand how that could be so. I thought it was interesting to note that the article stated that although some stories may have a general plot of a quest they may also invovle a number of underlining plot types.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite funny to note that the books that created the most complex conversation during this time were picture books which we typically see as being books for younger readers.
On the whole I didn't find the story shape activity very helpful. The activity is too open; the picture can look like anything. Perhaps if we were shown more examples of common shapes I would have made more sense out of it. I agree that this activity was easier with novels. It seemed like there was more to draw.
ReplyDeleteI think out biggest hurdle we had with the differences between Voyage and Return plots and Quest plots was that these plots weren’t described in the reading. If we know what they were and what should be in them we would have had an easier time in our discussion. I think we worked it out ok on our own. Although it’s still a bit confused.