Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a story with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in the sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
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Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of Inferno.
Relate major plot points to universal themes like justice, morality, or redemption. Encourage students to identify events in Dante’s Inferno that mirror issues in today’s world. This helps make literature more relevant and deepens understanding.
Ask students to discuss situations from current events, school life, or their communities that reflect challenges or choices faced by Dante. Linking classic literature to personal experience increases engagement.
Lead your class in comparing Dante’s and other characters’ decisions to choices students face. Highlight how consequences in the story relate to real-life outcomes.
Invite students to create a sixth storyboard cell that depicts a contemporary scene inspired by a theme or moral from Inferno. This visual connection reinforces comprehension and creativity.
Assign a short response where students describe a lesson from Dante’s journey that applies to their own experiences. Reflection supports personal growth and deeper literary analysis.
A plot diagram for Dante's Inferno visually breaks down the story into six key parts: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution, helping students understand the narrative structure of the poem.
To teach Dante's Inferno using a storyboard, have students create six illustrated scenes—one for each part of the plot diagram—accompanied by brief descriptions. This helps visualize major events and deepen comprehension.
Easy lesson ideas include creating visual plot diagrams, group discussions on major themes, partner storyboarding, and short writing prompts exploring Dante's journey through Hell.
Visual plot diagrams help students break down complex stories, improve retention, and engage more deeply with classic literature like Dante's Inferno by making narrative elements clear and accessible.
The main parts are Exposition (Dante lost in the woods), Conflict (his struggle to find salvation), Rising Action (journey through Hell's circles), Climax (confrontation with Lucifer), Falling Action (escape from Hell), and Resolution (emerging into light).