Briefing Document: Exploring Prologues and Learning Journals

Overall ThemeThe sources explore the concept of prologues in literature and how a learning journal can enhance reading and writing skills. The theme of different narrative "voices" across time also provides context for this exploration.

Key Ideas and Facts

1. Understanding the Prologue (Sources 1.1.1 and 1.1.2)

Definition & Purpose

Example (Source 1.1.1): "What images set the scene? How is this reflected in the language? What is the feeling in this opening paragraph?"

Techniques & StylesPrologues can use various techniques such as:

Example from Source 1.1.2: "The piano arrived too late to stop the sky falling in... As it was, everything was jangled, unstrung, struck dumb."

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Approaches

Example: Source 1.1.2 describes a narrator discovering an old box in an attic, which acts as a framing device for the story: "I found the box in the attic of an old farmhouse in Norway... There were markings on it; runes."

2. The Learning Journal (Sources 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3)

Purpose & BenefitsA learning journal is a tool for active reading and writing development. It helps:

Source 1.1.1: "We are going to... explore a prologue and start a learning journal."

Content Ideas for Learning JournalsLearning journals can include:

Example (Source 1.1.3): "You can draw and stick things in your learning journal and use it to practice your ideas."

3. Different Voices and Times

Context and ExplorationThe theme of "different voices – different times" highlights how narrative voice shapes the reader's understanding. Stories reflect the perspectives and contexts of their narrators.

Metanarrative Example (Source 1.1.2)"I am not a storyteller, not really... I’d much rather set the story down in cloth. Well, actually, I have things on the north wall in the great room, and the whole story is there."

Conclusion

These sources encourage readers to explore prologues and develop learning journals to enhance their reading and writing. The "different voices – different times" theme reminds readers that narrative voices are shaped by their unique contexts, inspiring deeper engagement with texts and the writing process.