Structure in 'Trash' - Tension Graph

23/03/2012 00:00

 

Structure in 'Trash' by Andy Mulligan

Making a Tension Graph

 

A tension graph is one way of plotting the progression of “tension” in a story.  Tension could be defined like this:

 

  • Everyone sitting talking, no danger: Tension = 0
  • Distant threatening sounds: Tension = 1
  • An argument or a flirtation: Tension = 3
  • A fight, fire or passionate kiss: Tension = 5
  • Murder or giving birth: Tension = 7
  • Cold-blooded mass murder: Tension = 9
  • Universe in danger: Tension = 10

TASK

 

Your task is to plot the tension in “Trash” on a tension graph. 

 

To do this, you will firstly need to identify the structure used in the book. 

 

How many parts are there? Which narrator tells what part?

 

Your plot should show both of these things on the the x-axis ‘Time’ line.

 

Questions that may help:

 

When does the story get exciting?  This should happen throughout.  As you can see on the tension graph example, there are peaks of tension throughout the story.

 

You will have this period and part of next period to complete this task.

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