Grade 11 Narrative Activity

Directions: Read the following short story

a. Create a plot diagram of the story

b. Highlight examples of narrative techniques in the story based on their

colours

Point of view

Dialogue

Character

Figurative language

From his bedroom window, Harry could easily see anyone who went into the Johnson house. The Johnson house stood as a lonesome figure in the middle of the Park Way community for thirty years. Of those thirty years, Harry could remember staring out of his window at what seemed like every movement in the Johnson’s yard for at least sixteen of those years. He had seen the house transformed from a place of joy ten years ago to a lifeless shell only seven years later. The yard was abandoned and unkempt with broken bottles, flat tyres and cracked windows. When the wind blew, there was a strong stench that consistently assaulted Harry’s nostrils. It seemed like death emitted out of the Johnson’s house.

However, for the last month Harry saw evidence of life with the exit and entrance of Mary Beth Johnson from the house. She was a breath of fresh air. If Harry had been honest with himself, he would have admitted that she was the only reason why he paid close attention to the Johnson’s house over the years. To Harry, Mary Beth was a princess trapped in a dungeon (the Johnson’s home). Her jet black hair cascaded down her back in multiple curls and kissed her chocolate skin. Her eyes appeared to be midnight black; however, the truth was they were the darkest brown eyes that Harry

 had ever seen. Harry closed his eyes remembering the beauty of Mary Beth. He had not seen her in a few days and so once again as it was his routine he sat at his window waiting to catch a glimpse of Mary Beth on her return home. Hours passed and Mary Beth was nowhere in sight. Harry was sure he had not missed her coming home because he had not removed himself from his post all night.

As the clock on the wall struck midnight, Harry heard a deafening scream coming from the Johnson’s house. Immediately, Harry knew Mary Beth was in danger. Without hesitating, Harry rushed downstairs and quickly made his way to the Johnson’s house. His heart pounded against his chest as he rushed to save Mary Beth. He got to the doorway of the Johnson house only to find it locked.

“I am coming Mary Beth!” Harry yelled. He hoped that she could hear the sound of his voice and knew that help was on its way. Once again, Harry heard another deafening shriek from the other side of the door. Swiftly, Harry kicked the door in and entered the house. He had no time to waste. The door flew open and Harry rushed into the house hoping that he was not too late. In his horror, Harry found a deserted house. There was nothing and no one inside.

Harry turned when he heard footsteps behind him, hoping that it was Mary Beth.

‘Harry?!’ asked his father, “Are you okay you just rushed out of the house.”

“Didn’t you hear the screams, dad?” Harry asked confused by it all.

“No, son,” his father responded, ‘I just saw you running like a mad man’.

“I thought Mary Beth was in trouble,” Harry answered his father as he continued to search the house.

 “Mary Beth?” his father looked confused, “No one has lived in this house for the last sixteen years. The previous owners were murdered just before we moved here sixteen years ago.”