Starter

Touching the Void: Narrative Perspective

What is narrative perspective?

What is multiple narration?

What are the strengths of this style? What are the weaknesses?

CONFLICT

Man v Man

Man v Nature

Man v Self

Man v the Supernatural

Man v Society

Man v Science/Technology

In facing conflict, the MAIN THEMES of a story or movie are made clear. As characters struggle to overcome conflict, they reveal their attitudes and those of the writer, to important ideas.

Touching the Void: Simon’s Account

Vocabulary

Explain these words and phrases in your own words:

Breaking trail

Trudged

Taut

Braced

I stayed put

Rational

Dispassionately

It occurred to me

1. Summarise briefly in your own words

(a) what happened to Joe and

(b) what choices face Simon.

2. What words or phrases in Joe’s account bring out most vividly

(a) the pain he suffers as a result of his injuries and

(b) his thoughts and feelings?

In each case choose three examples and give reasons for your choice.

3. What words or phrases in Simon’s account show most clearly the difficult decision he faces? Explain carefully the reasons for your choices.

4. Describe the tone of Simon’s account. Does his attitude to what has happened remain the same throughout? What are his feelings, and which words or phrases convey this?

5. In Simon’s account, think about the following aspects:

(a) use of language: think about the use of verbs, pace and sentence structures and his choices of adjectives and adverbs.

(b) perspective and viewpoint

6. What do you think Simon should do in this situation? Give him your advice.

Touching the Void: Two Extracts Date: Name:______

Joe’s Account / Simon’s Account
The opening
Use of language
Any striking vocabulary
Pace and sentence structures, ellipsis, questions and exclamations
Tone (any changes?)
Use of direct speech
Structure of the extract