Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures. Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. In this activity, students will create a visual plot diagram of major events in Welcome to Nowhere. Students should identify major turning points in the novel such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Exposition: The story is about a twelve year old boy named Omar and his family, who live in the city of Bosra in Syria. Omar finds out that his father has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture in Daraa, and the entire family will be moving there to live with their grandmother. The following days are tough, as none of them wish to leave, but they must do so.
Rising Action: Omar and his family move to Daraa amidst rising tensions of war. They witness people getting shot, and militants search their house. They then move to the Omar's aunt's farm in the countryside in search of safety. Life on the farm seems tranquil at first, but soon the violence spreads to the area.
Climax: Omar and his family decide to escape. They travel to the border that leads to Jordan. As the try to cross over, shots are fired at them from behind. However, they manage to reach Jordan safely and are taken to refugee camps.
Falling Action: In the refugee camps, the family faces many difficulties. Their father finds out that Musa was a part of the activities he considered illicit, and he decides to leave Jordan to go back to Syria, in search of his son. The family later learns that father has died. Omar starts earning by selling batteries, and Eman and Faud go to school. Nadia suffers from a heart condition.
Resolution: The story ends with Omar and his family traveling to the UK to get Nadia treated. They are scared and unsure of what the future holds for them.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram of Welcome to Nowhere.
Student Instructions: