identify narrative techniques
analyze how key elements enhance an author's style
implement alternative plot structures in a short narrative
For this assessment, select one of the three fairy tales to rewrite using the techniques in the lesson. You can download them here: Fairy Tales.
The Leap-Frog by Hans Christian Andersen
Jorinda and Joringel by the Grimm Brothers
The Travelling Musicians by the Grimm Brothers
A Flea, a Grasshopper, and a Leap-frog once wanted to see which could jump highest; and they invited the whole world, and everybody else besides who chose to come to see the festival. Three famous jumpers were they, as everyone would say, when they all met together in the room.
"I will give my daughter to him who jumps highest," exclaimed the King; "for it is not so amusing where there is no prize to jump for."
The Flea was the first to step forward. He had exquisite manners, and bowed to the company on all sides; for he had noble blood, and was, moreover, accustomed to the society of man alone; and that makes a great difference.
Then came the Grasshopper. He was considerably heavier, but he was well-mannered, and wore a green uniform, which he had by right of birth; he said, moreover, that he belonged to a very ancient Egyptian family, and that in the house where he then was, he was thought much of. The fact was, he had been just brought out of the fields, and put in a pasteboard house, three stories high, all made of court-cards, with the colored side inwards; and doors and windows cut out of the body of the Queen of Hearts. "I sing so well," said he, "that sixteen native grasshoppers who have chirped from infancy, and yet got no house built of cards to live in, grew thinner than they were before for sheer vexation when they heard me."
It was thus that the Flea and the Grasshopper gave an account of themselves, and thought they were quite good enough to marry a Princess.
The Leap-frog said nothing; but people gave it as their opinion, that he therefore thought the more; and when the housedog snuffed at him with his nose, he confessed the Leap-frog was of good family. The old councillor, who had had three orders given him to make him hold his tongue, asserted that the Leap-frog was a prophet; for that one could see on his back, if there would be a severe or mild winter, and that was what one could not see even on the back of the man who writes the almanac.
"I say nothing, it is true," exclaimed the King; "but I have my own opinion, notwithstanding."
Now the trial was to take place. The Flea jumped so high that nobody could see where he went to; so they all asserted he had not jumped at all; and that was dishonorable.
The Grasshopper jumped only half as high; but he leaped into the King's face, who said that was ill-mannered.
The Leap-frog stood still for a long time lost in thought; it was believed at last he would not jump at all.
"I only hope he is not unwell," said the house-dog; when, pop! he made a jump all on one side into the lap of the Princess, who was sitting on a little golden stool close by.
Hereupon the King said, "There is nothing above my daughter; therefore to bound up to her is the highest jump that can be made; but for this, one must possess understanding, and the Leap-frog has shown that he has understanding. He is brave and intellectual."
And so he won the Princess.
"It's all the same to me," said the Flea. "She may have the old Leap-frog, for all I care. I jumped the highest; but in this world merit seldom meets its reward. A fine exterior is what people look at now-a-days."
The Flea then went into foreign service, where, it is said, he was killed.
The Grasshopper sat without on a green bank, and reflected on worldly things; and he said too, "Yes, a fine exterior is everything—a fine exterior is what people care about." And then he began chirping his peculiar melancholy song, from which we have taken this history; and which may, very possibly, be all untrue, although it does stand here printed in black and white.
Some narrative techniques used in this story include dialogue, characterization, and irony.
The dialogue in the story helps to develop the characters and move the plot forward. It allows the reader to hear directly from the characters themselves and understand their motivations and personalities. For example, when the Flea and the Grasshopper give an account of themselves, their dialogue reveals their self-importance and their desire to win the princess's hand in marriage.
The author also uses characterization to enhance the story. Each character is given distinct traits and personalities, such as the Flea's noble blood and the Grasshopper's belief in his own superiority. These characteristics help to make the characters more memorable and add depth to the story.
Irony is another narrative technique used in the story. The outcome of the jumping contest is ironic, as the Flea, who jumped the highest, does not win the prize, while the Leap-frog, who initially appeared to be the least impressive, wins the princess's hand. This irony adds a twist to the story and keeps the reader engaged.
To implement an alternative plot structure in this story, one could introduce a conflict or obstacle that the characters must overcome in order to win the princess's hand. This could create tension and suspense and add more complexity to the narrative. Additionally, the characters could undergo a transformation or change throughout the story, which could further enhance the author's style and the overall message of the story.
For example, instead of the Leap-frog winning the princess simply because he jumped onto her lap, there could be a challenge set by the King that the characters must complete before they can win the princess. This challenge could test their intelligence, bravery, or kindness, forcing them to demonstrate their worthiness. This would create a more dynamic plot and allow for more character development.
Overall, by implementing alternative plot structures and utilizing narrative techniques like dialogue, characterization, and irony, an author can enhance their style and create a more engaging and memorable story.