Prepare: Prior to beginning your initial post, read the required materials and review the handouts, Plot, Theme, and Conflict and List of Literary Techniques. In addition, read Chapters 4 through 7 of Journey into Literature and choose a story from the textbook.

Reflect: All stories have a theme that forms the plot. Also, literary elements and techniques contribute to creating and highlighting the theme. Reflect on the theme and literary elements and techniques in the story you have chosen to read.

• Describe the core conflict represented in the story.
• Describe the theme of the story.
• Select three literary elements/techniques in the story and describe them.
• Explain how the elements/techniques illustrate the theme and conflict expressed in the story.
• Incorporate readings found in Chapters 4 through 7 to help illustrate the points you make.