Literary Techniques in Extended Works

Starts the story with the middle of the action

Inserts past events into the current story

Provides hints or clues about future events

Presents the inner thoughts of a character

Stream of Consciousness

In medias res

Foreshadowing

Flashback

To provide background or context to the current events.

To predict what will happen later in the narrative.

To describe the setting using sensory details.

To tell the story in chronological order.

Both novels present flashbacks as independent stories with little connection to primary narrative arcs or characters' growth.

Each novel relies on chronological flashbacks that offer detailed accounts starting from each character’s birth onward.

In “Mrs. Dalloway,” flashback reflects fragmented memories shaping identity; in “Beloved,” it reveals traumatic history informing current reality.

Flashback serves as a distraction from present events in both novels by shifting focus exclusively to secondary characters' histories.

Starting in medias res might limit readers' understanding of the setting, diminishing its importance to the redemption theme.

It may overshadow the theme of redemption by placing greater emphasis on secondary characters' development.

This approach could mislead readers into believing that redemption is not a central theme of the narrative.

It could amplify the theme by creating mystery around the protagonist's past actions and motivating readers to piece together the redemption arc.

By distracting from current events with details about possible outcomes, it adds complexity.

By hinting at future events, it builds anticipation and sets up expectations for upcoming action or conflict.

By resolving conflicts early on, it simplifies the plot for easier comprehension.

By providing irrelevant clues, it challenges readers to distinguish between significant and trivial plot points.

Flashback

Foreshadowing

Allegory

Metaphor

It offers an alternative perspective but doesn't influence our perception of character traits or history.

It interrupts current narrative momentum without enhancing readers' understanding of characters.

It solely serves as an exposition device without contributing to growth or change in a character.

It reveals formative experiences that explain current behaviors or attitudes of a character.

A flashback.

A synopsis.

An epilogue.

An anecdote.

To provide a break from the primary narrative with a standalone anecdote unrelated to the main story.

To introduce a pivotal event that will shape the remainder of the narrative and set expectations for the coming action.

To shift focus completely to new characters, leaving behind the current ones without exploration or resolution.

To wrap up all loose ends in the story prematurely, thus eliminating any need for further plot development.