What is an example of structure in literature?

As a literature expert, I'm thrilled to delve into the intricacies of narrative structure, an essential framework that underpins the vast majority of literary works. Structure in literature refers to the way a story is organized, the elements that make up its architecture, and how these elements interact to create meaning. It's the skeleton upon which the flesh of a story—characters, dialogue, description, and so forth—is hung. Let's explore this in detail.

Setting is the backdrop against which the story unfolds. It's not just a physical location but also includes the time period, social context, and even the emotional tone. For example, in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, the setting of early 19th-century England is crucial. It's a society where marriage is a pivotal social institution, and the novel's exploration of class, wealth, and social standing is deeply intertwined with this setting.

Plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It's the narrative's spine, guiding the reader through a series of incidents that build tension and drive the story forward. The plot of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, for instance, is a classic example of a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of racial injustice in the American South.

Theme is the underlying message or idea that the author wants to convey. It's the philosophical or moral question the story grapples with. In "1984" by George Orwell, the theme of totalitarianism and its effects on individual freedom and truth is central to the narrative.

Now, let's break down the parts of a narrative plot:


1. Exposition: This is the beginning of the story where the setting is established, and the main characters are introduced. It sets the stage for the narrative to unfold. In "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the exposition lays out the feud between the Montague and Capulet families and introduces the star-crossed lovers.


2. Rising Action: This is the phase where complications arise and the conflict begins to build. It's the series of events that lead to the story's climax. In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the rising action involves Gatsby's parties, his pursuit of Daisy, and the growing tension between him and Tom Buchanan.


3. Climax: This is the turning point of the story, the moment of highest tension and drama. It's the point of no return for the characters. In "Macbeth" by Shakespeare, the climax occurs when Macbeth murders King Duncan, sealing his fate.


4. Falling Action: After the climax, the falling action is the winding down of the story. It's the resolution of the remaining conflicts and the movement towards the story's end. In "Othello", the falling action includes the unraveling of Iago's scheme and Othello's tragic realization of his mistake.


5. Resolution: This is the final part of the story where loose ends are tied up, and the story reaches its conclusion. It provides closure for the reader. In "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, the resolution sees Holden Caulfield's decision to leave his past behind and move towards an uncertain future.

Understanding these elements and how they fit together is crucial for both readers and writers. They provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of a narrative and for crafting stories that are engaging, meaningful, and memorable.

Now, let's transition into the Chinese translation of the above explanation.

The most common elements of the narrative structure are setting, plot, and theme. The parts of narrative plot include exposition (the beginning), rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. ... The figure below is a good visual to remember the parts of the narrative structure.