✈️ Plane Method – Broader SF/AC EA Writing (IO and HL Essay)

Individual Broader AC/Whole Text Analysis – IO/HL Essay

The main focus on plane methods is often to show the movement or journey that an AC takes throughout a text. So, we want to be able to track, explain and ultimately deconstruct WHY the creator chose that 'movement'.

  1. The same IDEA (X) as in the rest of the paragraph is mentioned throughout
    • Signposting of the Broader SF (character arc/tone/setting/structure/supporting characters etc)
  2. Deconstructing the key moments in the arc and finding "the connotations" of WHY the creator chose that
    • This could/should relate to major points in the AC. So:
      • Key moments where the character shifted/developed
      • Key settings
      • Key places where tone shifted
      • Key elements of the narrative structure
      • Key interactions with supporting characters
  3. Direct reference to the EFFECT of the DECONSTRUCTION on our understanding of X
    • How exactly do those Deconstructions allow us to understand the IDEA (X)
  4. Optional: include smaller SFs/ACs to deconstruct
📈 Character Arc 👪 Foil Characters 🏯 Setting 🌀 Recurring ACs 📉 Narrative Structure 🗣️ Narrative Voice 🎛️ Tone 🙆🏾 Further Exercises

📈 Character Arc/Development

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A and B+
Character analysis is one of the key ways to engage with Plane Method style analysis for a few reasons:
  • For texts with a central protagonist, most of the IDEAs/concepts the author wants to explore are done through that character (Crit A)
  • The central character will clearly play a role throughout the whole text (Crit A/B)
  • Generally, characters will change/develop throughout the piece, and those key catalytic moments are valuable when analysing (Crit B)
As with close text, word-level analysis (Paper 1; Extracts in IO; Island Method pieces), we want to go through the same process for Plane Method analyses:
  1. Identify a Key Authorial Choice
  2. Deconstruct the key moments (and their non-word level "connotations": so, what is the significance/importance/feelings associated with each key moment in the arc)
    • Events that caused big changes to the character
    • Surprising events where the character reacted in ways that you didn't expect
    • Key parts that started or 'ended' this key element of the character
    • Parts the caused/changed the direction of the arc or made it move in an unexpected way
    • Indirect and direct inferences
    • The elements that make them three dimensional
  3. Link the above to the key IDEA
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: To show us X, (Insert Author's Name) constructs (Insert Key Character)'s character arc. Analysis: From the outset of the narrative, readers are introduced to a character that [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to [insert specific reference], showcase (Insert Author's Name)'s distinct attitude to X. However, as the story progresses, (Insert Author's Name) guides (Insert Key Character) through a transformation. Moments such as Y and Z are marked by vivid [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, signifying a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Yet, to fully convey X, (Insert Author's Name) ensures that (Insert Key Character) experiences renewed shifts in behavior, particularly during 1*. This intentional fluctuation effectively emphasizes [specific element of X]. Crucially, it is only during the pivotal moment 2*, that (Insert Author's Name) concludes the character's evolution; the words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], exposing (Insert Author's Name)'s belief in X.
Types of Arcs
Linear Arc

Linear Progression

Exponential Arc

Exponential Change

Vacillation Arc

Vacillations

By tracking the arcs we can use the patterns/shape of the arc to tell us something about the Authorial Intention of the writer/creator.
Linear Progression -
By crafting this style of arc, the creator could be aiming to:
  • suggest that the change or movement is inevitable as it continues in a straight line
  • Perhaps it is gradual or small, with the character not really realising it is occurring
  • Perhaps it is intentional and shows conscious growth by the character
Exponential Change
By crafting this style of arc, the creator could be aiming to:
  • Show that there was a significant even that changed the progression
  • Perhaps this was unintentional/unplanned and outside forces created the change
  • Perhaps this shows a reluctance or sense of regret around the change itself
Vacillations
By crafting this style of arc, the creator could be aiming to:
  • Demonstrate a lack of certainty or resolve around the progression
  • Perhaps the character is struggling in a conflict between 2 (or more) forces
  • Perhaps the character is wavering or not convinced about their choices
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Three-Column View
Diagram / Chart
Violent Resistance Non-violent resistance Completely Obedient/No resistance Ch.1 Ch.5 Ch.7 Ch.11 ★Death of father =no resistance; defends police ★Confrontation with teacher =non-verbal, gets in trouble ★Attacking Cop =escalation; links to Ch.1 ★Death of Senator =planned; shows commitment
Deconstruction
Ch.1 – Death of father▶
`unjust murder` = `no anger` = `religious imagery` = `death was moral`
Ch.5 – Confrontation▶
`challenges authority` = `non-verbal` → `violent rebellion`
Ch.7 – Attacking Cop▶
`escalation` = `big change` = `links to first chapter`
Ch.11 – Death of Senator▶
`planned` = `well considered` = `commitment to violence`
Written EA
Ch.1▶
"Cup introduces Sarah finding out about the unjust murder of her father. Sarah shows no anger, instead justifying their actions using religious imagery, implying the death was moral."
Ch.5▶
"When Sarah challenges the teacher and attacks the policeman, we see her evolving from non-verbal protest to violent rebellion."
Ch.7▶
"Cup devotes an entire chapter to Sarah rationally determining why the senator's murder is acceptable."
Ch.11▶
"The culmination occurs as Sarah approaches execution, solidifying her transformation into a staunch advocate for violent resistance."
Chatty Written Example

To convey the moral importance of violently resisting external authority, Donald Cup shapes the character arc of Sarah, illustrating her steady development in response to the challenges of defiance. From the outset, readers encounter a character challenging to empathize with. Cup introduces Sarah finding out about the unjust murder of her father. Importantly, Sarah shows no anger, instead trying to justify their actions using religious imagery, implying the unjust death was moral. This supplication to authority alienates Sarah almost entirely. However, as the story unfolds, Cup reveals Sarah's increasing resistance against external authority. When Sarah challenges the teacher and attacks the policeman, we see her evolving perspective, from non-verbal protest to violent rebellion, echoing Cup's view of the importance of resisting authority by any means necessary. Readers may not agree, but Cup ensures we understand her motivations, devoting an entire chapter to Sarah rationally determining why the senator's murder is acceptable. Unlike earlier ad hoc acts, this was considered and linked to the aim of violently overthrowing external authority. The culmination occurs as Sarah approaches execution, solidifying her transformation. The metaphorical significance of her final words underlines Cup's belief in the importance of resisting external authority.

👪 Foil Characters

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A and B+
Similar to Character Arcs, these can be a good way to show a wide depth of understanding of techniques (Crit B) and IDEAs (Crit A). Here, we are looking for the smaller characters that the writers create and analyse them in two distinct ways:
  • In relation to the protagonist - this is the most common and likely what we will focus mainly on (the example below is a version of this)
  • As symbols/important ipso facto - here we can view them as important to the development of the IDEAs by their very nature (distinct from their relationship to the plot or the main character)
As with close text, word level analysis (Paper 1; Extracts in IO; Island Method pieces), we want to go through the same process for Plane Method analyses:
  1. Identify a Key Authorial Choice
  2. Deconstruct the key moments (and their non-word level "connotations": so, what is the significance/importance/feelings associated with each interaction between the foil and the protagonist?)
  3. Link the above to the key IDEA
See: Masterclass Guide
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: To show us X, both writers create similar/opposed relationships between their protagonists and foil or supporting characters. Analysis: Importantly, Foil Character A (from Text 1) is positioned oppositional/concomitantly to [Foil Character X (from Text 2)] by the two creators. For instance, (Insert First Author's Name) use of [specific example] reveals [impact on protagonist], demonstrating their perspective on X. In contrast, [specific example from Text 2] showcases how (Insert Second Author's Name) uses [Foil Character X] to influence the protagonist through [specific effect]. Thus, through crafting these Foil Characters, both authors effectively communicate their distinct/aligned perspectives on X.
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
In this scenario, we have listed all the characters from both texts. Now we will try to find connections between their role/function/impact on the protagonist/influence on IDEAs.
Three-Column View
Diagram
CharactersTypeImpact
SterlingMentor figureDehumanizing effect
FrancisRivalCorrosive greed
XinOutsiderPower of art
LilyFoilHope and autonomy
Deconstruction
Sterling – Mentor▶
`mentor` = `reveals vacuous nature` = `dehumanizing effect`
Lily – Foil▶
`alternative` = `hope` = `autonomy`
Written EA
Sterling▶
"Sterling acts as a mentor figure, revealing the vacuous nature of corporate life, ultimately influencing Sarah's growth through shared experiences of burnout."
Lily▶
"Lily's journey to find fulfillment outside corporate life shows the alternative; individuals can overcome it if they choose. She quits her job, leaving Sarah to visit 'the undiscovered country'."
Chatty Written Example

To show the dehumanizing impact of corporate work, Magnet crafts specific relationships between her protagonist and foil characters. Sterling acts as a mentor figure, revealing the vacuous nature of the corporate world. He appears supportive but later reveals his disillusionment, influencing Sarah's growth through shared burnout. The pivotal scene where Sterling confides his regrets exposes the hidden costs of ambition through the metaphor of the broken cup. Magnet describes cracks that 'break the veneer' and render the cup useless. Hence, the deleterious effects of work are made clear. Similarly, Lily shows the alternative; individuals can overcome corporate damage if they choose. She quits her job, leaving Sarah to visit 'the undiscovered country', the Shakespearean reference signifying opportunity only when detached from work.

🏯 Setting

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A and B+
Depending on the texts studied, the setting can provide many useful opportunities for both analysis of ACs (Crit B) and IDEAs (Crit A). In particular:
  1. Setting can be linked to the context of the writer to offer insight into why they have crafted IDEAs in the manner they have (Crit A)
  2. Where the characters particularly interact with settings/have close relationships with them, they can be used to analyse EFFECTs clearly (Crit B)
  3. Ipso facto, the settings may symbolic/important for our understanding of the IDEAs (Crit A/B)
As with close text, word level analysis (Paper 1; Extracts in IO; Island Method pieces), we want to go through the same process for Plane Method analyses:
  • Identify a Key Authorial Choice
  • Deconstruct the key ways the setting is crafted by the creators/their impacts on characters
  • Link the above to the key IDEA
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: The author employs specific key settings in the text that symbolize the impact of X. Analysis: The pervasive nature of Setting 1 establishes an atmosphere that mirrors X. In particular, the writer establishes the Setting as consisting of 3 key elements [insert specific elements]. Each of these reveals X because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. As the story progresses, the narrative shifts to Setting 2. This change is significant as it shows us X because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Crucially, as the story reaches its conclusion, symbolism associated with different settings becomes more pronounced, particularly as Setting 3 is created; here, [insert specific AC analysis] is used to [EFFECTS on the Audience] which ultimately reveals X.
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
In this example, we have identified all the key settings and reduced them to the two most important ones in the texts. We have then gone through and deconstructed the elements that make up the settings and why they are important to the IDEAs.
Three-Column View
Diagram
Setting 1 – Clandestine HQ
Key Features:
  • Ostensibly a shop
  • Hidden passageways
  • Accessible only with a code
Key Scenes:
  • Mr. Perfume's break-in → symbolic violation
  • Strategic planning session
Techniques:
  • Labyrinth allusion → complexity
  • Stream of consciousness → effort and risk
Impact: Secrecy and strategic planning
 → Setting 2 – Cozy Cafe
Key Features:
  • Warm, open atmosphere
  • Central to debates
Key Scenes:
  • First public fight → visibility
  • Crowd's reaction → solidarity
Techniques:
  • Aural imagery → community support
  • Contrast with HQ → secrecy vs public
Impact: Public solidarity and collective action
Deconstruction
HQ: shop, passageways, code▶
`shop` + `passageways` + `code` = `secrecy and exclusivity`
Break-in scene▶
`exhaustive lengths` = `symbolic violation` = `authority goes to extremes`
Cozy Café as hub▶
`warm, open` = `public exchange` = `resistance visible`
First public fight▶
`fight in café` = `open challenge` = `shift hidden→public`
Written EA
Setting 1▶
"Cup establishes the clandestine HQ as the main setting, creating an atmosphere that mirrors resistance. It is ostensibly a shop, contains passageways, and is only accessible with a code – all combining to demonstrate defiance and strategic planning."
Break-in▶
"The break-in scene shows the exhaustive lengths Mr Perfume must go to, revealing just how much effort one must exert to effectively resist authority."
Shift to Café▶
"The shift to a cozy café shows a more explicit challenge to authority; resistance must also incorporate mutual understanding to be effective."
Chatty Written Example

Cup employs specific key settings in the text to symbolize the importance of resisting external authority in secret as well as in public. By establishing the clandestine underground headquarters as the main setting, Cup creates an atmosphere that mirrors the concept of resistance. The setting is ostensibly a shop with hidden passageways and code access – each element demonstrating defiance, activism, and strategic planning. The break-in scene shows the exhaustive lengths one must go to effectively resist. As the narrative progresses, the writer shifts to a cozy café – a more explicit challenge to authority that reveals the widespread impact of resistance on the wider community. Ultimately, Cup reveals the importance of both private and public resistance to authority.

🌀 Recurring Smaller ACs/Motifs

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A and B+
This is the most similar to the Islands Method or deconstructive/connotation analysis we have practiced a lot before. Here, we do focus on specific ACs (like we would in a Paper 1/IO Extract quadrants), but we want to make sure this is suitable for the WHOLE Text Quadrants. To do that we:
  1. Need smaller ACs that recur throughout the entire texts
  2. Like in a Paper 1/IO Extract, we want the ACs to be nuanced/sophisticated and link to key IDEAs
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: The author consistently uses recurring AC(s)/motif(s) throughout the text to explore the significance of X. Analysis: The use of the recurring AC (1)/motif (1) establishes an approach that initially mirrors a critical perspective on X. In particular, (Insert Author's Name) first introduces the recurring AC (1)/motif (1) at the start of the text, particularly when [insert specific example]. By [insert deconstruction], (Insert Author's Name) reveals X as we [insert EFFECT on Audience]. As the narrative unfolds, there is a deliberate evolution of the recurring AC (1)/motif (1). This transformation becomes evident when [insert specific example]. This change is pivotal because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Crucially, a new recurring AC (2)/motif (2) is also employed to show us X. Here, (Insert Author's Name)'s ability to [insert specific AC deconstruction] allows the audience to fully appreciate [insert EFFECT on Audience].
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
Here we have found similar 'smaller' ACs (ones that are present in single quotes/suitable for Paper 1s/IO Extracts) that are present in both texts. Now, we are aiming to choose ACs that fit all our aims:
  1. Appear throughout each text
  2. Can be compared
Three-Column View
Diagram
BeginningMiddleEnd
Colour Symbolism● Muted pastels (p.12)● Vibrant reds (p.45)● Muted grays (p.89)
Natural Imagery● Tree (p.9)● Tree (p.3)● Falling (p.100)
Deconstruction
Colour – Beginning▶
`muted pastels` = `tranquil` = `apathetic perspective`
Colour – Middle▶
`vibrant reds` = `heightened tension` = `passion to change`
Colour – End▶
`muted grays` = `uncertainty` = `complexity`
Written EA
Beginning▶
"Cup employs muted pastels in the garden, creating a tranquil atmosphere that mirrors Sarah's initially apathetic perspective on defiance."
Middle▶
"Vibrant reds and blues create heightened tension around her struggles regarding authority, with reds revealing passion impeded by passive blue."
End▶
"Muted grays and soft yellows create an intentionally ambiguous atmosphere that reinforces the theme of resisting external authority."
Chatty Written Example

Donald Cup consistently incorporates colour symbolism throughout 'The Pen' to convey the theme of resisting external authority. In the initial scenes, Cup employs muted pastels in the garden, creating a tranquil atmosphere that mirrors Sarah's initially apathetic perspective. As the narrative develops, Cup expands the use of colour symbolism. Vibrant reds and blues create heightened tension, with reds revealing passion impeded by passive blue. In the final scenes, muted grays and soft yellows create an intentionally ambiguous atmosphere that reinforces the theme of resisting external authority. The muted grays symbolize uncertainty and ambiguity, while soft yellows signify hope amidst the ambiguity. Ultimately, colour symbolism serves as a visual metaphor for the ongoing nature of resistance against external authority.

📉 Narrative Structure

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A and B+
Narrative Structure can be a very useful way of analysing an entire text because necessarily every part of a text will fit into some type of narrative structure. Furthermore, this does allow us to explicitly consider the construction of a text (Crit B) for specific ends/IDEAs (Crit A). As with close text, word level analysis (Paper 1; Extracts in IO; Island Method pieces), we want to go through the same process for Plane Method analyses:
  • Identify a Key Authorial Choice
  • Deconstruct the key moments in the narrative:
    • See: Simple Narrative Structure.pdf
    • Orientation to complications to resolutions
    • Changes in pacing
    • Subplots
    • Deviances from linear plots (flash-forwards; flashbacks; fractured structures)
  • Link the above to the key IDEA
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: To convey X, the author deliberately manipulates/crafts/orders the structure of their narrative. Analysis: Right from the narrative's initiation, the author shapes the narrative structure using [insert new structural element 1], specifically in the opening scenes, to emphasize the profound impact of X, eliciting [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to this experience, as portrayed through [insert specific reference], underscore the author's unique approach to (X). In the next act/chapter/section, the author orchestrates a deliberate shift in the narrative structure. Instances such as Y and Z are strategically placed, and described using [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, the connotations of which symbolize a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Moreover, this deliberate structural shift, especially during 1*, introduce [insert new structural element 2] that effectively underscores [specific element of X]. Importantly, the author concludes the evolution of the narrative structure, introducing [insert new structural element 3] as the story reaches its climax. The words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], revealing the author's conviction in the theme (X). Through this structuring of the narrative, the author establishes a representation of (X).
✍️ Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
In this example, we have analysed the entire text and plotted the key elements of the narrative structure on it. Importantly, we have noticed key moments occurring that happen to match the definition of each of these moments in the text and focused on the moments that best explored the IDEAs.
Three-Column View
Diagram
All examples of exploitation by the powerful Actual damage from civilians Threats causing apologies Act 1 Act 4 Sc 10 Act 5 Sc 2
Deconstruction
Oval: Corruption▶
`many scenes` = `vastness` = `feels ubiquitous`
Red: Civilian POV▶
`longer scene` = `emphasises effects` = `creates empathy`
Green: Threats▶
`two short scenes later` = `hope is illusionary`
Written EA
Oval▶
"Throughout the first 4 acts, we see multiple examples of corruption by the elite. Gogol includes multiple scenes in each Act to create a sense of vastness; corruption feels entirely ubiquitous."
Red▶
"In Act 4 Scene 10, Gogol finally shows the civilian's perspective of the abuse. This scene is much longer, as Gogol wants us to pay attention to these deleterious effects."
Green▶
"Gogol ends this hope almost immediately, as two short scenes later, the Mayor enacts revenge. The small chance of hope is illusionary – corruption will always encompass any hope of fixing it."
Chatty Written Example

To show the impossibility of corruption being fixed internally, Gogol structures his narrative in a very considered way. Throughout the first 4 acts, we are shown multiple examples of corruption by the elite. Gogol includes multiple scenes in each Act to create a sense of vastness; corruption feels entirely ubiquitous. However, in Act 4 Scene 10, Gogol finally shows the civilian's perspective, revealing the actual cost of corruption. This scene is much longer, as Gogol wants us to pay attention to these deleterious effects. Gogol ends this hope almost immediately, as the Mayor enacts revenge two short scenes later. By crassly threatening the civilians, Gogol shows the small chance of hope is illusionary – corruption will always encompass any hope of fixing it.

🎛️ Tone

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A/B+
Tone is an AC that can be both 'smaller' (hence used in the Extract quadrants of IOs/Paper 1s) or bigger and used for whole text analysis. The advantage of it is that it can be created in many ways and hence it is very malleable. It also is able to be connected to other broader and smaller ACs. When we are considering analysing Tone as a broader AC we often look for:
  • Tonal shifts that occur at multiple parts of a text
  • How the tone links to the IDEA (often the adjective of the tone will be a "Stage 1" version of an idea - "a tone of calculated indifference" will like link to the IDEA)
    • Note: tone should always want to be more than 1 word - so not just "a disdainful tone" but instead "masked disdain"
  • This is likely one that will require more specific, smaller ACs to create it hence you can show strong deconstructions when creating the effect.
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: To convey X, (Insert Author's Name) creates a/many distinct tonal quality(ies) Analysis: Notably, (Insert Author's Name) shapes Tone 1 by emphasizing [insert specific elements contributing to the tone]. Each of these elements reveals X because [insert EFFECT on Audience]. As their narratives progress, we see the impact of X through moments like Y and Z within Tone 2 to signify [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Interestingly, the use of [insert specific AC analysis] at Y and Z creates X. Later, the author further demonstrates [insert EFFECT on Audience] through this tone, particularly when focusing on Feature A in moment Z, which [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Thus, through the development of both tones, the representations of X is distinctly established.
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
In this case, our study in class has shown us that there are two distinct tones of both texts. After identifying the key places we see these tones, we have reduced them to these two moments (one at the start, one at the end).
Three-Column View
Diagram
Slyly humorous Starkly haunting Ch.1 Ch.5 Last The Water Bottle ✘Sarah looking for hermum's will is humorous ✘Gothic symbols appearchurch, raven, mist ✘First sign of jaundicemakeup scene ✘Final Scene - Gothicchurch and coffin
Deconstruction
Humorous tone▶
`slyly humorous` = `short syntax` = `belittles death`
Gothic symbols▶
`Gothic symbols` = `shift in mood` = `foreshadows death`
Jaundice▶
`colour yellow` = `progressive` = `pessimistic tone`
Final Scene▶
`final scene` = `gothic` = `death becomes reality`
Written EA
Ch.1▶
"In the opening chapter, a slyly humorous tone is created; the farcical searching for Sarah's mother's will belittles the weight of her death."
Ch.5▶
"As the text progresses, Magnet begins to reveal death is an ever-present threat. The final chapters are characterized by a hauntingly somber tone, employing Gothic elements to amplify despair."
Jaundice▶
"The colour yellow is used throughout to magnify this tone; progressive jaundice in Sarah's pallor reinforces the starkly pessimistic tone."
Final Scene▶
"The final scene combines colour symbolism and gothic setting, as Sarah's ornate coffin is covered in a yellow cloth, showing that her fear of death ultimately created her death."
Chatty Written Example

Marge Magnet employs distinct tones to portray the fear of death and its impact on individuals over time. In the opening chapter, a slyly humorous tone is created; the farcical searching for Sarah's mother's will belittles the weight of her death. Magnet uses short, disconnected sentences to reveal the absurdity faced by young Sarah, which creates a darkly humorous impact. However, as Sarah ages, Magnet reveals death is an ever-present threat. The final chapters are characterized by a hauntingly somber tone, employing Gothic elements to amplify despair. The Church setting and cawing of ravens foreshadow that death is likely without her insurance. The colour yellow reinforces this pessimistic tone; the progressive jaundice in Sarah's pallor reinforces the work's bleakness. The final scene combines colour symbolism and gothic setting, showing that the fear of death Sarah felt earlier ultimately created her death.

🗣️ Narrative Voice/Perspective

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📝 Description & Links to Crit A/B+
Particularly in single narratives, the narrative voice or perspective will often "drive" all the other choices made in the text. Narrative Voice/Perspective tend to be categorised as follows:
  • First person
    • Limited
    • Stream of consciousness
    • Unreliable narrator
  • Third person
    • Limited
    • Omniscient
    • objective/dramatic
  • Multiple perspectives
  • Narration vs direct quotes (captions vs speech/thought bubbles in graphic novels)
Each narrative perspective can affect multiple other Plane Method elements. So, it can affect:
  1. Characterisation
  2. Foil Characters
  3. Narrative Structure
  4. Tone
📋 General Scaffold (Colour-Coded)+
Green = broader AC Purple X = IDEA Yellow = effect Orange = deconstruction Red = more specific AC analysis
Topic Sentence: ○ In Text A, (Insert Author's Name) reveals the significance of X Elaboration: ○ To (Insert Author's Name), X is a crucial element of… throughout the text, (Insert Author's Name) interrogates how X ….. Ultimately it is clear that to (Insert Author's Name), the real power of X comes from ….. (continue ELAB) Evidence: To convey X, the author deliberately manipulates/crafts/orders the narrative voice/perspective of their story. Analysis: Right from the narrative's initiation, the author shapes the reader's experience by employing [insert narrative voice/perspective], specifically in the opening scenes, to emphasize the profound impact of X, eliciting [insert EFFECT on Audience]. The initial responses to this experience, as portrayed through [insert specific reference], underscore the author's unique approach to (X). In the next act/chapter/section, the author orchestrates a deliberate shift in the narrative voice/perspective. Instances such as [insert specific examples] are strategically placed, and described using [insert specific AC analysis] descriptions, the connotations of which symbolize a [insert EFFECT on Audience]. Moreover, this deliberate shift in voice/perspective, especially during [insert specific moment], introduces [insert new element] that effectively underscores [specific element of X]. Importantly, the author concludes the evolution of the narrative voice/perspective, introducing [insert new narrative voice/perspective element] as the story reaches its climax. The words spoken at this critical juncture become a [insert specific AC analysis], revealing the author's conviction in the theme (X). Through this structuring, the author establishes a powerful representation of (X).
✍️ Chatty Written Example (Interactive)+
Example
In this example, we have tracked the various narrative voices to explain how they affect key ideas.
Three-Column View
Diagram
Type of VoiceKey ExamplesKey IDEAs
First Person'a shadow in the corner'Inability to form authentic relationships
Third Person Omniscient'She watched him from afar...'Consequences of emotional disconnection
Deconstruction
First Person▶
`first-person` = `isolated perspective` = `inability to form relationships`
Third Person Omniscient▶
`third-person` = `external perspective` = `reveals broader impact`
Written EA
First Person▶
"In Chapter 5, the first-person voice immerses the reader in the narrator's isolated perspective, describing the rival as 'a shadow in the corner'. The visual imagery and condescending tone imply a lack of substance, reflecting their inability to form authentic relationships."
Third Person▶
"In Chapter 8, the shift to third-person omniscient narration ('She watched him from afar, her heart heavy') provides an external perspective on the narrator's emotional disconnection."
Chatty Written Example

In Chapter 5, the first-person voice immerses the reader in the narrator's isolated perspective, describing the rival as 'a shadow in the corner'. The visual imagery and condescending tone imply a lack of substance, reflecting their inability to form authentic relationships. Later, the admission, 'I envied their quiet strength,' reveals a moment of self-awareness. In Chapter 8, the shift to third-person omniscient narration ('She watched him from afar, her heart heavy') provides an external perspective on the narrator's emotional disconnection. This narrative choice contrasts the narrator's self-centered view with the emotional reality of those around them. The emotional weight of 'heart heavy' illustrates the consequences of their actions, as their inability to connect leaves others feeling unseen. Together, these chapters highlight estrangement: the first-person voice immerses us in isolation, while the third-person shift reveals the broader impact of their emotional disconnection.

🙆🏾 Further Exercises

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  • As the narrative continues, the writer manages the challenges of the unreliable narrator, revealing crucial information while maintaining the characters' subjective experiences.
  • As the narrative delves into Jake's psyche, readers witness a character challenging traditional notions of masculinity.