8.1 Narrative Syntax Concepts

Agenda

a..  Listen to PowerPoint/Breeze introduction

b. Read L&L Chapter 5 to end.  For further clarification read Labov, "The Transformation of Experience in Narrative Syntax" on electronic reserves.      Reading about narrative syntax

c. Post new understandings and questions to the Language Concepts Discussion and respond to two posts.

8.2 Applying Language Concepts to Literature:  Evaluation in Doyle's Woman

Agenda

1.  Read Doyle Chapters 24 and 25, thinking about the ways in which Paula evaluates her experience through the language she uses.      Reading Doyle

2.  Listen to audiofiles of short evaluative sections of these chapters.

3. Select any small passage to work with, from these or other chapters.  Identify the major units. Identify the major elements of narrative structure that appear in your passage (abstract, orientation, complicating action/core narrative, evaluation, result, coda).  What do you find in looking at these elements that contributes to your understanding of the meaning Paula is making of her experience, and how she is doing it.

4. Using the summary sheet on narrative syntax, worksheet 8.2, the sample analysis chart for "Crushes," and the narrative analysis chart (Excel) below, try to sketch out (roughly, approximately) some of the syntax of the passage you've chosen.  What do you find about Paula's use of evaluative syntax?   Summary Sheet       Worksheet 8.2

5.  Drawing on your work, post to the discussion, identifying the passage you've chosen as your topic and reporting on what you've learned from this analytical exercise.  You can attach your Excel chart if you have questions about your analysis or would like specific feedback on it.