Activity Overview
A common activity for students is to create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot but to reinforce major events and help students develop greater understanding for literary structures, such as five act structure.
Students can create a storyboard that captures the concept of the narrative arc in a story by creating a six-cell storyboard which contains the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
"The Gift of the Magi" Plot Diagram Example
Exposition
Della and Jim, a poor couple, struggle to buy Christmas gifts for each other.
Major Inciting Conflict
Della has only $1.87 to buy her husband a gift, which is not enough.
Rising Action
Della decides to sell her hair for money so she can purchase a gift worthy of Jim. She gets $20 and can afford a platinum chain for Jim's heirloom watch.
Climax
Della and Jim exchange gifts. Jim has sold his watch to buy Della a beautiful set of combs.
Falling Action
They decide to put their gifts away until they can both use them.
Resolution
Despite their errors, Della and Jim remain love one another, and learn a valuable lesson about sacrifice and love.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of "The Gift of the Magi".
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot Images | Cells include images that convey events in the corresponding stage of the plot. The images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include one or two images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Most images represent an important moment and exemplify the descriptions below them. | Cells include three or more images that convey events from an incorrect stage of the plot. Images depict minor and inimportant moments or do not reflect the descriptions below them. |
| Plot Text | The storyboard correctly identifies all six stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells correctly breaks down the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot and includes the most significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies one or two stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells breaks down most of the plot events into appropriate stages. The text gives a logical overview of the plot, but may omit some significant events of the book. | The storyboard misidentifies three or more stages of the plot. The text for each of the six cells does not correspond to the events of that stage. Overall plot description is not logical. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is exemplary. Text contains few or no mistakes. | Text contains some significant errors in spelling or grammar. | Text contains many errors in spelling or grammar. |
How To Facilitate a Discussion on Literary Structures
Explain By Example
Select any piece of literature and use it as a reference to explain literary structures. Such as using “The Gift of the Magi” to explain plot diagram and structure. Teachers can read and side by side explain what kind of structure is being used and how students can understand the story with the help of stages in the plot diagram.
Discuss Different Types
Teachers can provide a brief definition of different types of literary structures but focus on only a few. Explain the significance and impact of different types and discuss why authors use a specific structure to convey a specific meaning.
Examine the Effect
Discuss how the text's overall meaning, tone, or topics are affected by the selected literary structure or approach. Encourage your pupils to think about the author's decision to utilize this structure and how it affects the reader.
Contextualize Other Texts
If appropriate, relate the conversation to other books the students have read or are acquainted with. They may use this to examine how other authors employ the same structures or strategies for distinct ends.
Use Creative Exercises
After students become familiar with the concepts, organize creative exercises through which they can apply these concepts. For instance, story writing competitions on the same topic using different literary structures.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Gift of the Magi Summary
How does the story's plot map connect to the sacrifice theme?
The story's rising action, climax, and falling action are all driven by Della and Jim making sacrifices for one another, as seen in the plot diagram. The story's plot and theme are heavily influenced by their sacrifices. The author also intends to impart the moral lesson of sacrificing for love over material objects.
How is the conflict resolved in the end?
The couple's conclusion that their sacrifices were worthwhile is highlighted in the resolution, which also highlights the depth of their love. It closes on a positive note that emphasizes the actual meaning of Christmas.
What literary components help the plot's escalating action?
As Della and Jim prepare their surprise gifts, suspense, characterization, and foreshadowing all play a role in the mounting drama. The author also implies situational irony and symbolism to create suspense and drama for the readers as well as the characters.
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Gift of the Magi, The
![The Gift of the Magi - "The Gift of the Magi" Literary Elements](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/2368937/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "The Gift of the Magi - "The Gift of the Magi" Literary Elements")
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