Writing Style: The Narrative

In: The House on Mango Street

English Composition: 9th Grade

Ms. Wahlsteen
Objectives: Content: Students will be able to differentiate between the
various elements of narrative writing, including
characterization, diction, setting, imagery, and other
rhetorical devices specific to the style, evaluating how
each element affects the text.

Language: Students will be able to apply elements of

narrative writing to their own short story.

California Content Standards Addressed:

- Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene or stanza
CCSS.ELA.RL.9-10.3 fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the
CCSS.ELA.RL.9-10.4 development of the theme, setting or plot.
CCSS.ELA.RL.9-10.6 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases
CCSS.ELA.W.9-10.3 (figurative/connotative) as well as diction and impact of
CCSS.ELA.W.9-10.4 meaning and tone.
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique and well-chosen details.
 Ask Yourself:

What type of writing would you

consider a diary?

How is this style of writing different

from a research paper?

Ask a friend:
What type of writing is The House on Mango Street?
What makes you think so? Discuss.
Informs, explains and
states facts clearly and
plainly. Can be a cause and Narrative
effect or compare and Tells a story. Can be either
contrast. Typically involves fictional or real. Typically draws
research. from personal experience or
memories. Incorporates detailed
characters, setting, plot and
Writing theme.
Styles
Expository

Persuades and holds a clear

Argumentative
opinion. Makes a claim, utilizes
evidence to support and back up
argument.
 STYLE – How writers manipulate text to achieve a desired effect.

Narrative Style:
• Plot
• Characterization
• Setting
• Imagery
• Diction
• Theme
Plot: An interrelated sequence of storytelling.

Story Arc:
Extended over a longer
period of time,
involving background
information, a quest or
journey, conflict or
obstacle, peak of the
issue, “settling the
dust”, and a conclusion.
Watch the commercial and map the story arc! What makes this a cohesive plotline?
What elements of a narrative do you see?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNO2trC-mk

Video: Dual Coding

With your table,
read through any
vignette of your
choice. Make note
of the story arc.

Is there anything
missing?
 Vignettes…
• Are brief and span a shorter amount
of time.
• Illustrate their own mini-theme or
main idea within itself.
Although each section
follows the same characters
over a distinct time frame,
what is different about a

• Do not necessarily abide by the

vignette?
traditional narrative story arc, but act
as stand-alone stories.

• Lack clear transitions and FADE into

their own background.

With your table, compare and contrast a

Vignette with a traditional narrative.
Characterization: The description of a distinct fictional character based
on traits and qualities. Can be revealed through
dialogue, action or physical description.

“He is
honest • “He returned the lost
and wallet he found.”
kind.”
Characterization:
Examples in The House on Mango Street:

“Keep away from him, she says. He is full of

danger” (p.13)

“Two girls raggedy as rats live across the

street” (p.14).

“The big one laughs with all her teeth…

Cathy is tugging my arm” (p.15).

Discuss with a partner: How do these

quotes reveal something about each
character?
An example of characterization anywhere in The House on Mango Street.

What type is it?

What does this reveal about the

character?
 Setting:
The combination of
time, place,
environment and
imagery.
Setting: In our text…

{ Read Along: “Meme Ortiz” on pages 21-22 }

7:53 - 9:35 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK2zFgIkZlI

What does this environment reveal about

the people who live there?
Read pages 19-20
“Gil’s Furniture Bought & Sold”

Note the setting in your chart.

 Imagery:
Visually descriptive or sensory figurative language to develop a mental picture.
Examples in The House on Mango Street:

“Songs like sobbing”

“My name… a muddy color”

“Syllables made of tin and hurt the

roof of your mouth”
Three
Page 6-7 “Hairs”
examples of
imagery in
this vignette
How does this imagery enhance our
perception as the reader? What type of
characterization is used here?

What type of
figurative
language is
used?
 Theme:

A pervading subject, topic

or idea throughout a piece
of writing.

Discuss with a partner: What

do you believe the theme of
The House on Mango Street is?
 With your table: Choose a theme and find one vignette to add to this list.
In your notes: Explain why your chosen vignette displays this theme.

Theme Vignettes
“My Name”
Identity
“Laughter”
Family
“Cathy Queen of Cats”
Belonging
“Meme Ortiz”
Culture
 Now that we are familiar with
narrative style, write your own
1-page narrative.
Remember to include: