Narrative, Drama and Poetry

Literature mimics life and all that it is to live. Life and all the happenings around you are portrayed by writers using the forms of literature. If all that you have done or achieved in life is told to others to hear or written down for others to read, then that becomes the literature of your life. The genres of literature depend on how a story is written; whether in long sentences, verses or in a dialogue form. For this reason, this lesson focuses on the concept, types and importance of literature. This lesson will be related to real-life experiences and the world of work.

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Use the definition of Literature to identify its genres.

Key Ideas

• Literature is a form of human expression.

• Some genres of Literature include Narration/prose, Poetry and Drama.

• A Narration or Prose is a type of written language that typically contains dialogue and narration.

• Poetry is a form of literature that uses language to convey emotions or ideas in a concise and often rhythmic manner.

• Drama is a genre of literature that tells a story through the use of dialogue and movement.

• Literature helps you to become a critical thinker.

LITERATURE Literature is a method of recording, preserving, and transmitting knowledge and entertainment and can also have a social, psychological, spiritual, or political role.

Literature can also refer to works of imaginative, artistic, or intellectual value, typically characterised by the use of language to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences.

It encompasses various forms of expression, such as novels, poems, plays, essays, short stories, and other literary works. Literature, as an art form, can also include works in various non-fiction genres, such as autobiographies, diaries, memoirs, letters and essays.

Forms of Literature

₁. Oral Literature- Works of art that are transmitted by word of mouth (including festivals, customary practices, music and dance, folktales, folklore, dirges (ceremonial praising of the dead person, often termed ‘eulogy’), myth and legends,

2. Written Literature- Works of art that are transmitted in written form. They include The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah, The Dilemma of a Ghost by Ama Ata Aidoo, and Raider of Treasure Trove by Lade Wosornu.

Fig 2.4 Genres of Literature

Genres of Literature

₁. Narration/Prose - A type of written language that typically contains dialogue and narration. In literature, prose is the most common form of writing. The two main types of prose are fiction and non-fiction. Prose is found in novels, short stories, plays, and essays such as The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

2. Poetry - Poetry is a form of literature that uses language to convey emotions or ideas in a concise and often rhythmic manner. It is generally written in lines and verses. While some people may view poetry as difficult to understand, there is often great beauty in its simplicity. For example, “Makola” by Theresah Ennin and “Skirt” by Niyi Osundare.

3. Drama - Drama is a genre of literature that tells a story through the use of dialogue and movement. It often has a clear plot and characters who undergo change or development throughout the production. Drama can be divided into several sub- genres, such as tragedy, comedy, and farce. For example, The Son of Umbele by Bill Marshall, The Blinkards by Kobina Sekyi, The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua T. Sutherland, and A Tribe Called Judah by Funke Akindele are all works of drama.

Importance of Literature

1. A source of entertainment

2. Preserves culture

3. A source of income

4. Teaches values and moral lessons

5. A form of education

Activity 2.8

Click here to watch this short trailer on ‘A tribe called Judah’ by Funke Akindele https://youtu.be/nrSx7PkBN6o?si=ahyBpbgQlF5irzB2 From the video you have just watched, define Literature and relate it to real-life experiences.

Activity 2.9

Click here to watch a short video on the genres of literature https://youtu.be/oarGRayak5o?si=y94IvseuTYHvm4lt From the video above, use the concept of a family tree to identify the genres of literature and give examples under each of them starting with literature as the head.

GLOSSARY Word Meaning

Cohesive It is the relationship between various parts of the same text.

Coherence This refers to the logical or orderly arrangement of parts, as in writing.

Topic sentence The sentence that contains the main idea of a paragraph is referred to as the topic sentence.

Action verb Also known as lexical verbs, action verbs describe the action undertaken by the subject. They are the main verbs.

Linking verb A linking verb provides a link between the subject and the predicate noun or adjective.

In our previous lesson we learned the genres of literature, namely Drama, Poetry, and Prose. We defined or explained Drama as a play that is acted or staged. We said that people who act in a play or drama are called characters. This section will deal with the distinct types of Characters in a play or drama.

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Use language to describe characters in movies and narratives and play scripts to create meaningful ideas.

Key Ideas

• A character is any person, animal or figure represented in a literary work or in a narrative or dramatic piece of work.

• Characterisation is the act of creating and describing characters in literature. It will have at least one character, though most stories will have several characters interacting with one another

A character is someone who appears in a book, film or other fictional work. The term refers to the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual.

Characterisation is a representation of an individual personality in a fictional or dramatic work.

The literary elements of character and characterisation are related but are not the same thing.

The term character refers to a person or animal in a story, while characterisation refers to how the personality of that character is developed in a text or play. For example, in our Ghanaian movies' settings, the Ghanaian actor, Kojo Nkansah known as ‘Lilwin’, is normally seen as the lead character and hero, especially in ‘Kumawood’ movies or Akan local movies.

‘Lilwin’s characterisation is developed through his brilliant acting and performing skills, and how he relates with other characters through his dialogues and reactions, as well as how he socialises with everyone including his own colleagues.

Character development refers to the transformation of a character throughout the course of the story. In drama, characterisation involves the playwright or scriptwriter establishing the traits, motivations, and personalities of the characters, as well as their relationships with other characters.

In performance, actors bring these characters to life through their portrayal, using dialogue, movement, and expression to convey their depth and complexity. Effective characterisation is essential for engaging the audience and conveying the themes and messages of the dramatic work.

A character in a play or novel may be:

• A leading actor/lead character is a character who plays the role of the protagonist of a film, play or any literary work of art. They are normally the main character that the narrative centres around. For example, ‘Faiza’ is the main character in Mamle Wolo’s ‘The Kaya Girl’.

• A minor or supporting character

• Fictional characters

• A cartoon character Types Of Characters

• Dynamic Character- One who changes over the course of the story. They often evolve to become better or wiser, i.e., villains or protagonists.

• Static Character- One who does not change. They might also be referred to as Flat or One-Dimensional characters.

• Stoic Character- One who appears time after time as a familiar figure. They may be jokers, mentors/bad-tempered shopkeepers.

• Round Character—They behave like dynamic characters. This character has a full backstory revealed through emotions, language, and realistic motivations for whatever they do.

• Foil character- One whose personality and values clash with that of the protagonist

• Antagonist- A difficult person who might as well have noble characteristics.

They oppose the protagonist. They are mostly evil.

• Protagonist—This is the main character—most of the actions centre on him or her. Without them, there is no plot. For example, Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Sidi in The Lion and Jewel by Wole Soyinka, and Faiza in The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo.

• A flat Character is a character with little to no complex emotions, personal goals, or personality. They also don’t undergo any kind of change to make them more well-rounded. In other words, they are the opposite of a ‘well- rounded character’ who has a fully fleshed out profile and changes throughout the story.

A flat character will typically:

-Have no room for internal conflict

-Conform to a stereotype

-Never experience a character development

-Lack a multi-faceted personality

Activity 4.5

1. Click on the link below to watch this video on The Son of Umbele.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmLszGF11Tg

2. Identify the major characters in the movie and the roles they play in the video.

3. List the type of character each character in the video belongs to.

Activity 4.6

Read the extract below with your friends in a group and briefly comment about how language is used to describe a character in a text.

Duella: They have all the time in the world.

Sumako: And what does that mean?

Duella: They can stay there as long as they wish to.

Sumako: There was a strong gale this afternoon.

Duella: So?

Sumako: They are my children.

Duella: What about me, father? What about me? [She picks up the pail and storms out left.]

1. What is your impression of the language used in the extract?

2. Write down the types of characters you know and explain their roles in any named literary work of your choice.

3. Briefly identify the difference between a Character and Characterisation in your choice of literary work in 1 above. Support your answer with specific examples from the literary work.

4. From the extract you watched, which of the characters would you identify as a flat characters.

5. How many children does Sumako have?

6. Call a friend and act out the characters of Joshua and Sumako with.

7. Create a beach scene and dramatise Sumako’s sons fishing at the beach.

8. What is the main reason why Joshua went to visit Sumako?

9. Give a brief account on the character of Duella?

10. Discuss with your friend the assertion that Duella is a witch or she has been possessed by an evil spirit or demon.

GLOSSARY

In our last lesson we learnt about characters and characterisation, we defined a character as a person or animal, or figure represented in a literary work or narrative or in a dramatic piece of work. Today our lesson is about monologues, their types and dialogues. The movies and dramas we watch at home all have aspects of monologues and dialogues which contribute to the development of the plot. There are times you find yourself quietly sitting all by yourself and talking, that is also monologue. No back- and-forth banter is seen in dialogue, and there is no action during the monologue. A monologue is where one character is doing the talking, complaining, telling jokes, or evil laughing. The three characteristics of a dramatic monologue are; a first-person perspective, a silent audience and the slow reveal of character.

Monologue A monologue is a lengthy speech given by one character in a theatrical work, movie or literary work.

Types of Monologues

₁. A soliloquy is a type of monologue in which a character delivers a long speech to him/herself rather than to another character or the audience. In this, the character talking to him or herself tries to analyse his/her thoughts, emotions, or predicaments.

2. Dramatic monologue: A type of monologue that is delivered by a character to another character or to the audience. They tend to be lengthy and often unbroken by the speech of other characters.

3. Interior/Internal monologue: This is a type of monologue in which a character’s thoughts are expressed but not vocalized in the world of the story by other means such as words being put on a screen to show what’s going on in his or her head while a conversation is taking place or a stage.

Dialogues A dialogue is a spoken conversation that includes at least two characters. Dialogues create characters, advance the plot of a story and make a text realistic. They are used in various contexts such as;

1. Literature: Dialogues are used in plays, short stories, and novels to reveal character traits, advance the plot and exploit themes.

2. Communication: Dialogues are the fundamental aspect of human communication, enabling people to exchange ideas, build relationships, and resolve conflicts.

3. Philosophy: Dialogues have been used by philosophers throughout history to explore complex ideas, debate theories, and seek truth.

4. Education: Dialogues are used in teaching and learning to encourage critical thinking, promote active listening, and foster collaborative learning.

5. Diplomacy: Dialogues are used in international relations to resolve conflicts, negotiate treaties, and build diplomatic relationships.

6. Psychology: Dialogues are used in therapy to help patients explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

7. Business: Dialogues are used in meetings, negotiations, and customer service to build relationships, resolve issues, and reach agreements.

Activity 6.3

1. Identify the type of monologue in the narrative below.

Share ideas with your friends on what a monologue is.

NB: Invite two of your peers and perform this task.

Narrative One day, I was playing in my backyard, minding my own business when my mother told me the worst news imaginable. It was a peaceful Saturday, and we were spending some time outside, enjoying the weather. Suddenly, her phone went off and she quickly answered it, but I did not care. I was focused on playing with all of my toy cars, smashing them into each other. I could not wait until I was grown up and could drive real cars and smash real cars into something. My mother hung up her phone call and came over to me. She told me that she just received the exciting news that her sister had invited us to go visit her in Florida. I was happy because that meant I could see my cousins again whom I rarely ever see them. I was happy until she told me that we were taking a plane to get there. As soon as she said ‘plane, my heart sank, and my hands started sweating. A plane. I could not do a plane ride. People are trapped in a metal can, flying in the air, possibly crashing to their deaths.

A plane! No not me. I will walk to Florida… (https://www.cram.com>essay>Monologue)

2. Read the dialogue below and with your friends perform the activities that follow.

LAKUNLE: Let me take it.

SIDI: No.

LAKUNLE: Let me. [Seizes the pail. Some water spills on him.] SIDI: [delighted.] There. Wet for your pains.

Have you no shame?

LAKUNLE: That is what the stewpot said to the fire.

Have you no shame at your age Licking my bottom? But she was, she was tickled.

Just the same SIDI: The school teacher is full of stories This morning. And now, if the lesson Is over, may I have the pail?

LAKUNLE: No, I have told you not to carry loads On your stubborn head. But you are as stubborn As an illiterate goat. It is bad for the spine. And it shortens your neck so that very soon.

You will have no neck at all. Do you wish to look Squashed like my pupils’ drawings?

SIDI: Why should that worry me? Haven’t you sworn That my looks do not affect your love?

Yesterday, dragging your knees in the dust, You said, Sidi, if you were crooked or fat, And your skin was scaly like a… Questions

a. how many people are speaking in the dialogue?

b. Tell what a dialogue is about.

c. Still with your friends, explain the meaning of monologue and identify two types in narratives.

In our past or previous lesson in literature, we studied monologues, their types and how to identify them in a literary narrative. We defined monologue as a speech delivered by one person or a long, one-sided conversation. Today we are continuing our lesson on Dialogues, we will be looking at what dialogues are, their types and how to use and identify them in a literary work.

Dialogue Let’s look at what is meant by dialogue as we delve deep into our lesson. Dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a literary written work.

It is used in most of the forms of writing, from short stories to novels to drama. Use of direct speech often. In literature, dialogues are used in plays, novels, and short stories to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and explore themes. In communication, dialogues help people to exchange ideas, build relationships, and resolve conflicts.

Again, dialogues in the area of Education are used in teaching and learning to encourage critical thinking, promote active listening, and foster collaborative learning.

Types of Dialogue

₁. Outer dialogue: The character talks to another character.

2. Inner dialogue: The character talks to himself or herself. Conversation between the character and the mind.

3. Interpersonal: Dialogues between two or more people, building relationships and exchanging ideas.

4. Intercultural: Dialogues between people from different cultural backgrounds, promoting understanding and exchange.

Characteristics Of Dialogues

₁. Interactive: Dialogue involves active participation and response from all parties.

2. Dynamic: Dialogues change as the conversation progresses.

3. Dialogues are shaped by the context in which they occur.

4. Purposeful: Dialogues often have a specific goal or objective.

5. Dialogues involve a shared effort to understand and communicate.

Activity 8.5

Study the dialogue below. Then, call a friend and practice with them.

Akpala: You there! Who are you?

Ananse: Er . . . errr . . . you see . . . err . . . .

Akpala: Speak up, now, or I shall release this bow.

Ananse: O . . . no . . . no . . . no! Please, shift that arrow to the right . . . .

That’s my heart you’re aiming at. Shift it a bit, please . . . .

Akpala: And why should I? Do you expect me to miss my mark? Look, I mean to drive this poisoned arrowhead right through your heart . . . that is if you fail to tell me who you are, and why you are here, munching a sacrificial egg . . . Now!

Ananse: Well, you see, I am a lonely, hungry traveller. I came across this meal and couldn’t help but . . . .

Akpala: Help yourself to it . . . uninvited, eh? Well, I must take you to the king.

You have broken a crucial taboo . . . intercepted a very crucial process. You must answer to the King.

Ananse: O please, please. Can’t you spare me?

Akpala: And face the wrath of the spirits? No! Up strange one! Mount that bowl on your head and get along. That way . . . hurry!

Activity 8.6

Study and read the narrative below and identify whether it is a dialogue or a monologue.

“Mother Ghana, your soil is red with the blood of our ancestors. Your skies are grey with the tears of our children. But still, we rise. We rise like the sun over the savannah, burning bright with hope. We rise like the baobab tree, strong and resilient. We rise, though our voices have been silenced, though our stories have been erased. We rise because we are the keepers of the traditions. We rise because we are the guardians of the land. And we will continue to rise until our stories are told.

A good plot should:

• Be engaging and meaningful

• Have a clear structure and progression

• Include twists and turns to keep the audience interested

• Develop the characters and their relationships

• Explore themes and ideas

• Provide a satisfying resolution The great English writer Charles Dickens summarised the strategy as, ‘Make them laugh, make them cry, make them wait.’

Activity 10.3

1. Watch this short video in the link that follows and trace the sequence of events using a mind map.

https://vimeo.com/326567794

2. Read the story below.

In the small village of Koforidua, Ghana, there lived a young boy named Kofi. He was known for his exceptional football skills and dreamed of becoming a professional player. Kofi's hard work and dedication earned him a spot on the village team, and he quickly became a star player.

One day, a wealthy football scout offered Kofi a chance to play for a top team in Accra, but only if he agreed to cheat and win at all costs. Kofi was torn between his ambition and his values. He knew that cheating would go against everything he had learned from his parents and coaches.

Kofi decided to reject the scout's offer and continue playing with integrity.

He led his village team to victory in the regional tournament, earning recognition and respect from the community. The scout returned, impressed by Kofi's skills and sportsmanship, and offered him a new contract with a top team in Accra.

Kofi's decision to play with integrity had led him to achieve his dreams without compromising his values. He learned that honesty, hard work, and fair play are essential for true success. Kofi's story inspired his teammates and the entire village, teaching them that moral character is more important than winning at all costs.

3. From the story you read above, identify the beginning, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution of the story’s plot.

4. Study the guidelines on how to Plot a Story and, with the aid of a story map, write a short story on your own bringing out the beginning, middle and the ending.

• Think critically.

• Write out the central conflict.

• Create a brief outline.

• Pick a point of view.

• Select the right story structure.

Today, we continue our lesson by focusing on how to write a plot and the elements of Short Story. We all know what a Short Story is because we have been listening to stories from our parents and even among your friends. A Short Story is a short work of fiction.

Fiction is prose writing about imagined events and characters. One way to determine the plot of a story is to identify its elements. Plot involves the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The exposition introduces the settings, the characters, and the primary dramatic conference.

Tools for plot development Suspense: This entails the deliberate withholding of information by the writer in an attempt to heighten and sustain the reader’s interest in the story. Information which is germane to the resolution of the conflict is not revealed, or suspended, by the writer and this helps in making the plot structure more complex and more mysterious. Chika Unigwe’s Night Dancer uses this device a great deal.

Foreshadowing or Prefiguration: Foreshadowing occurs in a work of art when the writer presents certain events that would occur as the story develops. Usually, the first event is very minor and might not even be noticed by a reader. However, the minor event could serve as a clue that provides some inkling as to the reasons why a more major event occurs.

Prefiguration in a work of art might be through a character having a feeling of an event that will happen later. The character might have a dream, and the dream would manifest itself when the writer might use an ominous symbol or sign as a means of foreshadowing of a later event. There are events that will occur in the future.

Digression: In developing the plot of a work of art, the writer might digress from the main storyline by creating a story within a story, which is known as digression. In such an instance the flashback technique, through which the characters bring to the present events from the past, becomes very effective in drawing in the reader. We see much of this in ‘The Joys of Motherhood’ by Buchi Emecheta.

Features of a story ₁. Narrative Structure: A clear beginning, middle and end.

2. Characters: Well-developed, relatable and engaging characters.

3. Plot twists: Unexpected turns of events that keep the reader engaged.

4. Conflicts: A clear conflict or problem that drives the plot forward.

5. Setting: A vividly described and immersive setting

6. Theme: An underlying message or idea that emerges through the story.

7. Dialogue: Realistic and compelling conversations amongst characters.

8. Tone: A consistent mood or atmosphere that fits the story

9. Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language that paints a picture in the reader’s mind

10. Suspense: A sense of tension or anticipation that keeps the readers engaged

11. Character Development: Characters that grow, change, or learn something.

12. Emotional Resonance: A story that evokes emotions in the reader

13. Originality: A unique and fresh perspective or idea.

14. Symbolism: The use of symbols or objects to represent abstract ideas.

15. Pacing: A well-balanced pace that keeps the reader engaged.

Activity 12.3

Watch the film below carefully from the link below with your friends https://youtube.com/watch?v=YmLszGF11Tg&feature=shared

Activity 12.4

Identify the features of a plot based on the film you just watched, together with your friends.

Activity 12.5

Write down the beginning, middle and end of the plot of the film you watched with your friends. Discuss in the class as a whole the title, the characters and the setting of the film you watched in class.

11SECTION 12Year1

Language use in communication takes many forms. By looking closely at the patterns of Language in created works of literature, we can learn much about the power of language to bring people together harmoniously and with renewed resilience.

We have listened to stories from our parents and grandparents at home. We have also been narrating stories amongst ourselves in class and out of class. Most of us have also been watching movies, series and telenovelas. The stories we tell or listen to have beginnings, middle sections and endings. There are also things that go into the beginning of the stories, the middle and the endings. That is basically what we call the structure of a plot. In this section, we are going to study the structure of a plot otherwise known as the elements of a plot.

By the end of this section, you should be able to

• Investigate briefly the sequence of events across a number of texts and explain how such a sequence contributes to the overall meaning.

Key Ideas

• The plot of a story refers to the sequence of events that makes up the story.

• Exposition refers to the part of the story where the setting, characters, situations and background information are introduced and established.

• Rising action: This refers to the series of events that build upon each other and create tension, conflict and suspense as the story unfolds.

• Climax: the most intense and critical moments in the story, where the story reaches its peak and the outcome is decided.

• Falling action: It is the part of the plot where the conflict begins to unwind, and the story starts to be resolved.

• Resolution/Denouement: This is the final part of the story, where loose ends are tied up, and the narrative reaches its conclusion.

A plot in literature typically follows a structured sequence of events, can be broken into sequence of events, which can be broken down into several key components which can also be called the Elements of a Plot. Here is a common structure:

1. Exposition: This is the introduction to the story. It reveals the setting, introduces the main characters, and provides background information that is crucial for understanding the context of the story.

2. Inciting incident: A significant event that sets the story in motion. This incident disrupts the status quo and introduces the main conflict or problem that the characters must face.

3. Rising action: A series of events build up the tension and develop the story’s conflict. These events complicate the situation(s), creating suspense and driving the narrative toward the climax. Characters face obstacles, challenges, and make decisions that influence the direction of the story.

4. Climax: The climax is the turning point of the story, where the main character faces the conflict head-on, and the outcome begins to be determined.

5. Falling Action: After the climax, the story begins to wind down. The consequences of the climax play out, and the tension decreases as the story moves toward its resolution in the aftermath of the events and characters start to find solutions to their problems.

6. Resolution (or Denouement): The story concludes, and the conflict is resolved.

The resolution ties up any loose ends and provides closure for the characters and the reader. Sometimes, some resolutions are open-ended and so they set the stage for a possible sequel.

Note: A sequel is a work that continues the story or expands upon the events and characters of a previous work. It is a story that continues the narrative of a previous work, often with the same characters, setting or themes. A successful movie will often lead to a sequel (rarely as good as the first).

Plot is an essential element in narrative, in drama, and often in poetry, though it manifests differently in each of these literary forms owing to their distinctive structures and purposes.

1. Plot in Narratives:

Narratives encompass various forms of storytelling, including novels, short stories, and memoirs. The plot in narratives refers to the sequence of events that unfold within the story.

In most narratives, the plot follows a traditional structure: exposition (introduction of characters, setting, and situation), rising action (conflicts and complications), climax (the turning point or moment of greatest tension), falling action (events leading towards resolution), and resolution (the conclusion of the story). The plot in narratives is designed to engage readers by presenting a coherent and often linear/chronological sequence of events that build to a climax, keeping the reader invested in the outcome. The plot drives the narrative forward, revealing character development, themes, and the overall message of the work.

2. Drama: This refers to works intended for performance, such as plays. The plot in drama is conveyed primarily through dialogue and action. Dramatic plots often follow a structure similar to narratives, but they are divided into acts and scenes. The plot unfolds through interactions between characters, with each scene advancing the story.

The structure often includes:

a. Exposition: Introduces the setting, characters, and initial conflict.

b. Rising action: The conflict develops, leading to increased tension.

c. Climax: The peak of the conflict, often a moment of great decision or action.

d. Falling action: The aftermath of the climax, where consequences are explored.

e. Resolution (Denouement): The conflict is resolved, and the work concludes.

In drama, the plot is crucial in engaging the audience and building suspense. The audience experiences the plot in real-time, making the structure and pacing vital for maintaining interest and emotional involvement. Plot developments are often heightened by visual and auditory elements, including staging, acting, and sound effects.

3. Poetry: This is a literary form that emphasises language, rhythm, and imagery. While not all poetry has a plot, narrative poems do.

Plot Structure in Narrative Poetry: Narrative poems, such as epics or ballads, have a plot that unfolds in a manner similar to that of prose narratives. The plot is often more compressed owing to the concise nature of poetry, but it still includes key elements:

a. Exposition: The setting and characters are introduced, often quickly.

b. Rising Action: The conflict or main action begins to build.

c. Climax: The peak of the narrative tension, which might be a battle, a crucial decision, or an emotional turning point.

d. Falling Action: The consequences of the climax are explored.

e. Resolution: The story concludes, often with a moral or reflective ending.

f. Lyrical Poetry: In lyrical poetry, the plot is less prominent. Instead of a sequence of events, these poems focus on emotions, thoughts, or moments in time. However, some lyrical poems do have a subtle plot or narrative arc, often conveyed through the progression of emotions or thoughts.

g. Purpose: In poetry, the plot serves to convey a story, emotion, or theme in a compressed and often symbolic manner. The use of figurative language, metre, and rhyme enhance the impact of the narrative dimension, making even simple stories feel profound or universal.

h. Conclusion: The plot in narratives, drama, and poetry serves as the backbone of the story, guiding the audience through the events and emotions that the work aims to convey. In narratives, the plot is often detailed and unfolds over a longer span of time. In drama, the plot is performed and experienced in real-time, requiring a clear and engaging structure. In poetry, the plot is often condensed, with emphasis on language and imagery, yet it still plays a vital role in conveying the poem's message or story. Understanding how plot operates in each form helps readers and viewers appreciate the unique ways stories are told across different literary genres.

ACTIVITY 16.1

Click on the link below and watch a short film with two of your friends:

https://youtu.be/Z2DxZpZLN4Y?si=KuE41PoUNslelwdA From the film you just watched, agree on three elements of a plot you saw in the film.

ACTIVITY 16.2

With reference to the film you just watched, present the elements of a plot to your classmates or friends bringing out how each sequence contributed to or was linked to the development of the plot of the film.

ACTIVITY 16.3

Call a friend and play a plot-game, create a story on your own based on the title below, in turn continue building on the plot of the story, example ‘Hamdala’s Secret’, ‘There once lived a beautiful girl called Hamdala who lived in Sawaba ……………’ You and your friends should continue adding on to the story until you have formed a complete story on ‘Hamdala’s Secret’.

ACTIVITY 16.4

List all the sequences of the story you just created.

ACTIVITY 16.5

Create your own storylines based on what you have learnt on the Elements of a plot or the structure of a plot together with a friend.

Extended Reading

₁. Selected Passages from Subjects across the Curriculum such Social Studies, Agriculture, Geography.

References

• Carter, R., et al; McCarthy, M. (2020). Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide (2nd ed.) Cambridge University Press.

• Azar, B. S., et al; Hagen, S. A. (2021). Understanding and Using English Grammar (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

• Roach, P. (2009). English phonetics and phonology: A practical course (4th ed.).

Cambridge University Press.

• Wiredu. F. J, (1992). Organised English Structure, with A Self-Study and Practice Book for students of Training colleges, the Polytechnics and the Universities:

Academic Publications Accra.

1. State and explain the elements of a plot.

2. Create a story of your own using the structure of a plot that you have learned.

Acknowledgements List of Contributors

Name Institution

Beatrice Antwiwaa Boateng Oti Boateng SHS, Koforidua

Jennifer Afua Kyei-Baffour Sakafia Islamic SHS, Kumasi

Isabella Sika Keh Achimota School

N-yalamba Jerry Njomoun Tatale E.P. Agric SHS

You were introduced to the genres or types of literature in our past lessons. You also learned in some of the past lessons that the genres of literature are the types of literary works that share specific and sensitive characteristics, themes and styles or structures. In this week’s lesson, we are going to learn about themes.

Every genre of literature is characterised by elements such as themes, subject matter, settings and figures of speech. Our focus of study for this week is African Poetry and its themes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to

• Identify and discuss the dominant themes in two African poems and how the themes contribute to meaning.

Key Ideas

• Genres of Literature: Literature is divided into genres based on style, form and content.

The main genres of literature are Drama, Prose and Poetry.

• Poetry: Poetry is the genre of literature that uses language in a creative and imaginative way to express thoughts, feelings and ideas. There could be stories or narrations hidden in the few lines that poems convey.

• Themes: In Poetry, themes can be seen or said to be the central ideas, messages, or underlying subjects that a poem explores. There are specific themes that are associated with African poems.

Themes The theme of a poem is the main idea or message the poet wants to share. It is the central idea in the poem. It helps readers think more deeply about the poem.

In African poetry, the themes often focus on important topics like colonialism (when countries were taken over by other countries), tradition, freedom, negritude, migration and exile, urbanisation, nature, religion, values, patriarchy, corruption, death and mourning, pride and nationalism, displacement, personal experiences and African unity.

Aside these, African poets also explore common human experiences like love, betrayal, death and corruption.

Some of the most common themes in African poetry are colonialism, tradition, unity, displacement, freedom and pride in one’s country.

How to identify themes in a poem The following steps will guide you to identify themes in poems with ease.

1. Read the poem carefully Read the entire poem and pay attention to the overall feeling or message that the poem carries.

Example:

"I hear the drum, It calls my name, The village dances, I feel at home."

Message: The above poem talks about drums, dancing and feeling at home.

2. Look for repeated ideas. A theme is a central or recurring idea in a text (poem).

Once you find this repeated idea(s) or words, you are so close to identifying the theme of that poem or text.

Identification: Find out if certain words or ideas appear more than once. This often shows that the poet finds those words or ideas important.

Example: The words “drum”, “village dances” and “home” stand out. The poet repeats the feelings of connection to the village.

3. Ask yourself what the poem is mostly about.

To do this, just summarise the poem or re-tell it in one or two sentences. Think about what the poet is trying to say.

Example: This poem is about the feeling of belongingness and the power of cultural traditions.

4. Connect the poem to bigger ideas.

Connect the poem’s message to bigger ideas like love, freedom, nature or tradition.

Since this is an African poem, connect the ideas to some of the common themes in African poems such as tradition.

Example: The bigger idea in this poem is tradition and cultural identity.

Note: If at this point, you have been able to identify the theme(s) in a poem, well done. If you have not been able to, do not worry, the remaining steps below will give you the help you need.

5. Check for emotions and imagery.

It is sometimes not easy to predict themes based on the four steps above. If that happens, you need to pay close attention to the emotions and imagery. Pay attention to how the poem makes you feel and what images or pictures it creates in your mind.

Example: The poem creates a happy, peaceful image of community life. This adds to the theme of belonging and culture.

6. Find the poet’s message or moral lesson.

Ask yourself – what does the poet want the reader to learn or think about?

Example: The poet wants to show how traditions bring people together and give them a sense of home.

Final theme: The poem’s main theme is tradition and belonging.

ACTIVITY 21.1

1. In groups of four, pick either of the poems below and identify the dominant themes using the steps above.

2. Paste the themes on the walls of your class for gallery walk. Read the responses from other groups and provide constructive feedback to them.

Once Upon a Time

Gabriel Imomotimi Okara

Once upon a time, son, they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes:

but now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow.

There was a time indeed they used to shake hands with their hearts:

but that’s gone, son.

Now they shake hands without hearts while their left hands search my empty pockets.

‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’:

they say, and when I come again and feel at home, once, twice, there will be no thrice- for then I find doors shut on me.

So I have learned many things, son.

I have learned to wear many faces like dresses – homeface, officeface, streetface, hostface, cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles like a fixed portrait smile.

And I have learned too to laugh with only my teeth and shake hands without my heart.

I have also learned to say, ‘Goodbye’, when I mean ‘Good-riddance’:

to say ‘Glad to meet you’, without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been nice talking to you’, after being bored.

But believe me, son.

I want to be what I used to be when I was like you. I want to unlearn all these muting things.

Most of all, I want to relearn how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!

So show me, son, how to laugh; show me how I used to laugh and smile once upon a time when I was like you.

MAKOLA Theresa Ennin

Head bent, rags all around the upside-down pan Picking her nose, shuffling her feet, oblivious to the bustle and the calls of the driver’s mates.

This morning, she quarrelled with the husband Why wouldn’t he understand that her work is very tedious and involving?

Why must it all be on his terms, at his convenience?

“Move out of the way, move out, I say” shouts the cart pusher None cares about his agitation.

The sweat runs down his face, tiny rivulets of disappointment and fear They snake down and glide effortlessly into his dirty t-shirt His tongue peeps out and licks the beads of sweat on his lip.

That young girl with the thin arms balances a bowl of sachet water on her head The runny-nose baby at her back is supported with a faded ATL cloth.

He holds in his hands a battered teddy with an eye missing.

The baby whimpers, she tries to soothe him by patting his leg.

He refuses to be soothed and gives out a loud yell.

“Put him to the breast”, one woman counsels.

“I can’t”, she says, “I have no breast milk.”

3. In your groups, read the poem below written by an African Poet titled,’ The Master Brewer’. After reading, identify the themes following the steps above.

The Master Brewer

By Prof. Lade Worsonu.

There is distillery in our brains, Its cane and malt, its hops and grains Are the stuff our lives are made of.

Blizzard and snow, bush fires or drought Matches won by penalty shoot-out Fortunes lost at toss of a coin Over these and their likes, you are no doyen.

The fuel for this distillery?

Your emotions. Willy-nilly You stoke the fires as you vent your spleen.

And another dram drip into the vat-unseen The master brewer is not the stars Not yet the gods. He is you, your very self.

The final brew has no choice. It must be Bitter bile or sweet honey. But you can choose The magic potion, which can vouchsafe the taste:

Your intentions, your memories and your reactions.

4. Listen to the version on YouTube: The master brewer by Lade Worsonu poem Confirm your responses after watching the video.

5. Still in your groups, write down how the dominant themes you identified in the poem contribute to the meaning of the poem.

Ensure that each member contributes to the discussion. Respect everyone’s views.

6. Make a PowerPoint presentation based on your responses to the whole class for feedback.

1. List the steps in identifying themes in your own words.

2. Identify two themes from the poem ‘The Master Brewer’ and give a step-by-step guide on how you identified the themes you have mentioned.

3. How do the themes you identified contribute to the meaning of the poem.

4. Choose a simple African poem that has not been discussed in class and identify the themes in the poem using the steps you have been given and write how you were able to identify the themes in your choice of poem.

Extended Reading

• Understanding the Subject of a Poem by The Poetry Center and John Timpane.

• Poetry for Dummies Cheat Sheet

• Snuggling up to the Language of Poetry References

• Pooja, T. U. (2018, September 1). Poem & analysis of "Once Upon A Time" by Gabriel Okara.

Sahyadri English Literature. https://sahyadriliterature.blogspot.com/2018/09/poem- analysis-of-once-upon-time-by.html Acknowledgements List of Contributors Name Institution Beatrice Antwiwaa Boateng Oti Boateng SHS, Koforidua Jennifer Afua Kyei-Baffour Sakafia Islamic SHS, Kumasi Isabella Sika Keh Achimota School N-yalamba Jerry Njomoun Tatale E.P. Agric SHS