Read the following passage from the Prologue of “Make Believe” by A. A. Milne.
ADA (at ROSEMARY’S shoulder). Oh, I say, she’s writing a play!
(Uproar and turmoil, as they all rush at ROSEMARY.)
{ THE BOYS. Coo! I say, shove me into it. What’s it about? Bet it’s awful rot. }
{ THE GIRLS. Oh, Rosemary! Am I in it? Do tell us about it. Is it for Christmas?}
ROSEMARY (in alarm). James, could you——?
JAMES (firmly). Quiet, there, quiet! Down, Master Dennis, down! Miss Gwendoline, if you wouldn’t mind—— (He picks her up and places her on the floor.) Thank you. (Order is restored.)
ROSEMARY. Thank you, James. . . . Yes, it’s a play for Christmas, and it is called “Make-Believe,” and that’s all I’m certain about yet, except that we’re all going to be in it.
BERTRAM. Then I vote we have a desert island——
DENNIS. And pirates——
HAROLD (gloatingly). Cannibals eating people—Oo!
CAROLINE (shocked). Harold! How would you like to be eaten by a cannibal?
DENNIS. Oh, chuck it! How would you like to be a cannibal and have nobody to eat? (CAROLINE is silent, never having thought of this before.)
ADA. Let it be a fairy-story, Rosemary, darling. It’s so much prettier.
ELSIE. With a lovely princess——
GWENDOLINE. And a humble woodcutter who marries her——
ISABEL (her only contribution). P’itty P’incess.
BERTRAM. Princesses are rot.
ELSIE (with spirit). So are pirates! (Deadlock.)
CAROLINE. I should like something about Father Christmas, and snow, and waits, and a lovely ball, and everybody getting nice presents and things.
DENNIS (selfishly, I’m afraid). Bags I all the presents.
(Of course, the others aren’t going to have that. They all say so together.)
ROSEMARY (above the turmoil). James, I must have silence.
JAMES. Silence, all!
ROSEMARY. Thank you. . . . You will be interested to hear that I have decided to have a Fairy Story and a Desert Island and a Father Christmas.
ALL. Good! (Or words to that effect)
Create: Write a Synopsis
Level 1: To show your mastery of the unit goals, write a synopsis in which you identify the main characters, setting, and plot of an original literary text. Your text may be a short story, a drama, or a narrative poem. When describing the plot, include details about the main conflict, the climax, and the resolution. Also mention an important image you will repeat and explain its meaning. Write your synopsis on a sheet of paper.
Your synopsis should show an understanding of how literary elements such as character, setting, plot, and literary devices such as repeated images contribute to the structure and meaning of a literary text.
Title: The Magic Island
Main Characters: Rosemary, Dennis, Harold, Caroline, Ada, Elsie, Gwendoline, Bertram, Isabel, James
Setting: A cozy living room where a group of children are planning a Christmas play
Plot: A group of children led by Rosemary are excitedly planning a Christmas play called "Make-Believe." As they brainstorm ideas, they debate between having a fairy story, a desert island with pirates, or a story revolving around Father Christmas. The children each have their own preferences, leading to a spirited discussion.
Conflict: The children struggle to agree on a storyline for their play as each of them has different ideas and preferences. Dennis selfishly wants all the presents, Elsie prefers a fairy tale, and Harold wants cannibals in the story.
Climax: In the midst of the chaos and disagreement, Rosemary makes a decision to incorporate elements from each child's suggestion by combining a fairy story, a desert island, and Father Christmas into their play. This compromise brings the group together and they start planning and rehearsing with renewed excitement.
Resolution: The children work together to create a magical play that incorporates all their favorite elements. Through teamwork and compromise, they bring their imaginative ideas to life and put on a heartwarming and entertaining Christmas performance for their families and friends.
Repeated Image: Throughout the play, the children use the image of a shining star as a symbol of hope and magic. This symbol represents the children's belief in the power of imagination and the joy of coming together to create something truly special.
can you make it shorter
Title: The Magic Island
Main Characters: Rosemary, Dennis, Harold, Caroline, Ada, Elsie, Gwendoline, Bertram, Isabel, James
Setting: A cozy living room where children are planning a Christmas play
Plot: A group of children led by Rosemary plan a Christmas play called "Make-Believe." They debate between a fairy story, a desert island with pirates, or a story about Father Christmas, leading to disagreements.
Conflict: The children struggle to agree on a storyline for their play due to different ideas and preferences.
Climax: Rosemary decides to combine elements from each child's suggestion into the play, bringing the group together and igniting excitement for the project.
Resolution: The children collaborate to create a magical play that incorporates all their favorite elements, showcasing the power of teamwork and compromise.
Repeated Image: A shining star symbolizes hope, magic, and the joy of imagination, uniting the children in creating something special.
shorter
Title: The Magic Island
Characters: Rosemary, Dennis, Harold, Caroline, Ada, Elsie, Gwendoline, Bertram, Isabel, James
Setting: Living room, children planning a Christmas play
Plot: Children can't agree on play idea, Rosemary combines all suggestions. They collaborate to create a magical play.
Repeated Image: Shining star symbolizes hope and imagination.