Modern Novel (Worksheet 1) – Elements of Fiction

Read the following statements and answer the following questions. Note that
the questions are related to the elements of fiction.

 In the short story, “The Speckled Band,” the story starts with Helen Stoner
coming to meet Sherlock Holmes. Then, she talks about her past and how her
sister died and why she has come to meet Holmes. In the end, Holmes solves the
mystery of her sister’s death. What type of narrative sequence is this?
Media Res

 My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. He
sent me to Emanuel College in Cambridge at fourteen years old, where I resided
three years, and applied myself close to my studies; Here is a passage from
Gulliver’s Travels . What point of view does the author use here?
First person point of view

 Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
Everything was in confusion in the Oblonskys’ house. The wife had discovered
that the husband was carrying on an intrigue with a French girl, who had been a
governess in their family, and she had announced to her husband that she could
not go on living in the same house with him. This is an extract from the
famous novel, Anna Karenina . How does the novelist Leo Tolstoy present
the setting? (Place, mood)
Oblonsky’s House (Place)
The mood is one of confusion and unrest.

 In the novel, A Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian is a handsome young man who
is very kind and innocent. But after joining the company of Lord Henry Wotton,
he develops bad habits and changes completely. What kind of character is he?
Round character

 Dorian even kills the painter Basil who painted the most beautiful portrait of
Dorian because he turns evil completely. What kind of conflict is this?
Physical conflict

 Towards the end of the novel, Dorian feels sorry for what he has done. He
wonders how he can free himself of all his evil ways. He feels that he cannot
change his ways. Then, he thinks that by destroying his portrait, he can be free
from evil. What kind of conflict is described here?
____________________________________________________
Psychological Conflict

Dr. Sujatha Aravindakshan Menon

Here is the outline of the story Pride and Prejudice. Mention the elements of fiction in the space provided after reading the questions.
S.No. Questions Elements of Fiction
1. In the first chapter, the Bennets are introduced and through the conversation Exposition
between Mr. And Mrs. Bennet, we come to know about their daughters Jane and
Elizabeth who are major characters. What narrative stage is this?
2. Jane falls in love with Mr. Bingley. But Darcy separates Mr. Bingley and Jane. Later, Complication
in the story, Jane’s and Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia elopes with Wickham.
What narrative stage is this?
3. Darcy solves Elizabeth’s problems by finding Lydia and Wickham and also by Resolution
uniting Jane and Bingley. What narrative stage is this?
4. In the end, Jane and Bingley, and Elizabeth and Darcy get married. What Coda
narrative stage is this?
5. At first, Elizabeth and Darcy are characters who think only their opinions are Round characters
right. But later, they realize their mistakes and fall in love. What types of
characters are they?
6. Bingley loved Jane but when Darcy told him that the Bennets do not match their Social conflict
social status, Bingley had to agree to leave Jane. He is forced to maintain his
image in society. What kind of conflict is this?
7. When Darcy helps Elizabeth’s family and is kind to her relatives, Elizabeth is Psychological conflict
confused. On the one hand, she feels he is proud. But, on the other hand, she
begins to understand that he is a good man after all. What kind of conflict is
this?
8. Darcy’s aunt Lady Catherine comes to see Elizabeth and tells her to stay away Physical conflict
from Darcy. But Elizabeth argues with her saying she will not promise anything.
What kind of conflict is this?
9. The Bennets have no sons. So, after the death of Mr. Bennet, the law says that the Classical conflict
property should to a male relative. The Bennets are helpless and can do nothing
against their situation. What kind of conflict is this?
10. Elizabeth’s elder sister Jane is sweet and gentle and never speaks rudely to Flat character
anyone throughout. What kind of character is she?

Dr. Sujatha Aravindakshan Menon