MACATLANG, Francis Emmanuel S.

BSED English 4
Reviewer of ELT 311 Content
Key Elements Discussed
1. Nature of Fiction
o The document discusses the foundations of identifying fact versus fiction and prompts
reflection on why fiction appeals to audiences.
o It highlights the reasons behind choices and interpretations in literature.

2. Plot Structure
o Types of plots are covered:

 Linear Plot: Includes Freytag’s Dramatic Pyramid with a beginning, climax, and
resolution.
 Episodic Plot: Integrated scenes forming a larger narrative.
 Mirrored Plot: Uses alternating flashbacks or dual narratives.
 Circular Plot: Returns characters to their starting point.
 Parallel Plot: Multiple storylines occurring simultaneously.
3. Character Development
o Emphasis is placed on the inner life and essential nature of characters, showing their role
in driving a narrative.
4. Themes
o Universal themes provide diverse interpretations and meaning, reinforcing the idea that a
narrative can hold multiple, layered messages.
5. Scene and Atmosphere
o Differentiates between physical setting and the mood it evokes, enhanced by figurative
language and stylistic choices.
6. Point of View (POV)
o Types of narrative perspectives:

 First-person (Participant/Observer)
 Third-person (Limited/Omniscient)
7. Imagery and Symbolism
o Details how sensory descriptions and symbolic elements enrich a story, enabling multi-
layered interpretations.
 8. Style and Tone
o Explores how sentence structure, word choice, and the writer's attitude influence the
story’s presentation.
9. Figurative Language
o Highlights how metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices deepen meaning and
create special effects.

Critical Reflections Prompted

 The document raises an essential question: Can a narrative function effectively without
incorporating all its listed elements? This encourages critical thinking about the essential
components of storytelling.

Reviewer of Fiction Elements and Genres

Key Components of Fiction

1. Elements of Fiction
o Plot: Arrangement of events and actions to convey a theme.

 Types of plots include:

 Linear Plot: Traditional structure (Freytag’s Pyramid).
 Episodic Plot: Integrated scenes forming a larger narrative.
 Mirrored Plot: Dual narratives with alternating flashbacks.
 Circular Plot: Characters return to the narrative's starting point.
 Parallel Plot: Simultaneous storylines.
o Characters: Represent the inner life and essential nature of individuals.

o Theme: Explores universal realities and meanings with room for diverse interpretations.

o Scene and Atmosphere:

 Scene: Physical setting.

 Atmosphere: Mood associated with the setting, enhanced by figurative language
and stylistic choices.
o Point of View: The lens through which the story is narrated, including:

 First-Person Participant/Observer
  Third-Person Limited/Omniscient
o Imagery and Symbolism:

 Imagery: Appeals to the senses (visual, tactile, aural, olfactory, gustatory).

 Symbolism: Invites rich, multiple interpretations.
o Style and Tone:

 Style: Language, voice, sentence structures conditioned by the point of view.

 Tone: Writer's attitude toward the subject and readers.
o Figurative Language:

 Creates effects and new meanings using metaphors, similes, personification, etc.

Types and Genres of Fiction

1. Types of Fiction
o Literary Fiction:

 Focuses on artistic depth, aiming to broaden and deepen readers' awareness of

life.
o Commercial Fiction:

 Primarily written for entertainment and monetary gain, providing escapism for
readers.
2. Genres of Fiction
o Mystery:

 Crime-centered, often involving detectives solving puzzles.

 Subgenres: Spy stories, crime stories.
o Romance:

 Appeals to women, often featuring heroic rescues and love stories.

 Subgenres: Historical, contemporary, fantasy romance, and romantic suspense.
o Women’s Fiction:

 Focuses on relationships and strong female protagonists overcoming challenges.

o Suspense/Thriller:

 Fast-paced with continuous suspense, aiming to evoke tension and surprise.

o Western:
  Depicts life in post-Civil War America’s western frontier.
o Horror:

 Creates fear, rooted in classic tales (e.g., Edgar Allan Poe) and modern authors
like Clive Barker.
o Young Adult:

 Targets readers aged 12–16, addressing teenage concerns.

Critical Questions
 "Do you think a narrative will be effective without one or two of the above elements?"
 This question encourages reflection on the interdependence of the elements in crafting a
compelling story.
Fiction Elements, Popular Literature, and Ten Facts About Fiction

I. Fiction Elements
 Plot
o Arrangement of events to convey a theme.

o Types of Plots:

 Linear Plot: Traditional structure (Freytag's Pyramid).

 Episodic Plot: Integrated scenes forming a larger narrative.
 Mirrored Plot: Dual narratives with alternating flashbacks.
 Circular Plot: Characters return to their starting point.
 Parallel Plot: Simultaneous storylines.
 Characters
o Represent the essential nature and inner lives of individuals.

 Theme
o Explores universal truths, providing diverse interpretations and meanings.

 Scene and Atmosphere

o Scene: Physical setting of a narrative.

o Atmosphere: Mood or emotional tone associated with the setting.

 Point of View
 o Narrative perspectives:

 First-Person Participant/Observer
 Third-Person Limited/Omniscient
 Imagery and Symbolism
o Imagery: Appeals to the senses (visual, tactile, aural, etc.).

o Symbolism: Invites rich and layered interpretations.

 Style and Tone

o Style: Use of language, sentence structures, and voice.

o Tone: Writer's attitude toward the subject and audience.

 Figurative Language
o Enhances meaning through metaphors, similes, and other literary devices.

II. Popular Literature

 Definition:
o Works intended for mass appeal, primarily for entertainment.

 Characteristics:
o Plot-driven with predictable storytelling.

o Focus on fun escapism and resolution.

o Happy endings and wide accessibility.

 Functions:
o Entertainment: Provides enjoyment and escape.

o Social/Political Function: Reflects societal structures and norms.

o Ideological Function: Shapes perspectives based on shared ideas.

o Moral Function: Imparts values and lessons.

o Cultural Function: Preserves traditions, folklore, and heritage.

o Educational Function: Portrays real-life facets and human experiences.

III. Ten Facts About Fiction

1. Literary Narrative
 o Genre Fiction: Captivates with escapism.

o Literary Fiction: Provides emotional depth and universal understanding.

2. Fiction vs. Non-Fiction

o Fiction lacks a factual basis, while non-fiction presents historical truths.

3. Creative Invention
o Fiction blurs imagination and reality, offering meaningful connections.

4. Freedom
o Fiction allows freedom for writers and readers in exploring imaginative worlds.

5. Fictional Universe
o Examples include Narnia, Middle Earth, Neverland, and Asgard, which transport readers
into alternate realms.
6. Traditional Fiction
o Myths, fables, and legends follow structured rules and cultural conventions.

7. Modern Fiction
o Post-WWII works include comics, manga, and modern short stories, reflecting new
mindsets and challenges.
8. Role of the Internet
o Provides access to resources, publication platforms, and creative inspiration.

9. Blog Fiction
o Combines creative writing with blogging, often seen on platforms like Instagram and
Facebook.
10. Fiction in Prose
o Short stories, novels, and novellas differ in length but share core elements of fiction.