Narrative Text

Ø The definition of Narrative Text

      Narrative text is a story with complication or problematic and it tries to find the resolutions to solve the problems. An important part of narrative mode, the set of methods used to communicate the narrative through a process narration.

Ø The purpose of Narrative Text

      The purpose of Narrative Text is to amuse or to entertain the reader with a story.

Ø Generic Structure of Narrative Text

1.    Orientation

      Sets the scene : Where and when the story happened and introduces the participants of the story: who and what is involved in the story.

2.    Complication

       Tells the beginning of the problems which leads the crisis (climax) of the main participants.

3.    Resolution

       The problem (the crisis) is resolved, either in a happy ending or in a sad (tragic) ending.

4.    Re – orientation/ Coda

     This is a closing remark to the story and it is optional. It consists of a moral lesson, advice or teaching from the writer.

Ø Language Features of Narrative Text

1.    Use active verbs.

2.    Use simple past tense.

3.    Use conjunction.

4.    Use specific noun.

5.    Use adjectives.

6.    Use adverbs and adverbial phrase.

Ø Kinds of Narrative Text

1.    Legend

      A legend is narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history. Typically, a legend is a short, traditional and historicized narrative performed in a conversational mode. Some define legend as folktale.

      The example of legend in narrative text are :

§  Sangkuriang

§  Malin Kundang

§  Tangkuban Perabu

§  Toba Lake, etc.

2.    Fable

    A fable is a short allegorical narrative making a moral point, traditionally by means of animal characters who speak and act like human beings.

      The example of fable in narrative text are :

§  Kura – Kura dan Kelinci

§  Mousedeer and Crocodile

§  Monkey and Crocodile, etc.

3.    Fairy Tale

     Fairy tale is an English language term for a type of short narrative corresponding to the French phrase “conte de fée”. A fairy tale typically features such folkloric characters as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, dwarves, giants or gnomes, and usually magic or enchantments.

      The example of fairy tale in narrative text are :

§  Cinderella

§  Snow White

§  Beauty and The Beast, etc.

Ø This is the example of  Narrative Text

MALIN KUNDANG

  
    

ORIENTATION	Once Upon a time, lived a diligent boy named Malin Kundang. He lived in the seashore with his mother. They were very poor, but they lived quiet and harmonious.
COMPLICATION	One day, a big ship closed to the beach near their village. They asked peoples to join work in their ship and went to the cross island. Malin Kundang wanted to join with them because he wanted to improve his familys life. But his mother didnt permit him. She worried to Malin.
RESOLUTION	Malin still kept his argument and finally he sailed with the bigship.
COMPLICATION	Several years later, Malin Kundang succed and he became rich trader. Then, he came to his native village with his beatiful wife, but his wife didnt know Malins real descent. His happy mother quickly approached Malin and brought a plate of village cake, Malins Favorite. But Malin didnt admit that woman as his poor mother, and then he kicked the village cakewhich brought by his mother until scattered.
RESOLUTION	His mother very broken heart because Malin rebellious to her, who had growth him. Then, his mother cursed Malin became stone.
REORIENTATION AND CODA	Suddenly, the bigship which Malins had was vacillated by a big storm and all of his crewman tossed aside out. Malin realized that was his fault that rebellious his mother. He bowed down and became a stone.

                               

     TASK 1

Ø  Read the following text carefully.

The Rats and The Elephants

      One upon a time their lived a group of mice under a tree in peace. However, a group of elephants crossing the jungle unknowingly destroyed the homes of all the rats. Many of them were even crushed to death.

      Then talking of rats decided to approach the elephant’s chief and request him to guide his herd through another route. On hearing the sad story, the elephant’s king apologized and agreed to take another route. And so the lives of the rats were saved.

      One day elephant – hunters came to the jungle and trapped a group of elephants in huge nets. Then the elephant king suddenly remembered the king of the rats. He summoned on the elephants of his herd, which had not been trapped, to go seek help from the king and told him about the trapped elephants.

      The rat’s king immediately took his entire group of rats and they cut open the nets which had trapped the elephant’s herd. The elephant herd was totally set free. They danced with joy and thank the rats.

Ø  Now, answer these questions based on the text.

1.    What type of the text is the above text? It is ...

a.    a Narrative text

b.    a Recount text

c.    an Anecdote text

d.   an Expository text

e.    a Descriptive text

2.    what destroyed the homes of all rats?

a.       A group of mice did

b.      The hunter did

c.       Elephant – hunter did

d.      A group of elephant did

e.       Elephant’s herd

3.    What helped the elephant’s herd free ?

a.       The elephant – hunter did

b.      The hunters did

c.       The trapped elephants did

d.      A group of king did

e.       Entire group of rats did

4.    What is generic structure paragraph 1 ?

a.       Identification

b.      Orientation

c.       Complication

d.      Resolution

e.       Description

5.    At the end of the story, how was the elephant’s herd ?

a.       Angry

b.      Sad

c.       Happy

d.      Dead

e.       Disappointed

     TASK 2

LION AND MOUSE

      One day, a big lion was sleeping in his den. A little mouse was playing, jumping on the lion’s head. The lion woke up and caught the mouse. “How dare you awake me! Don’t you know I am the king of jungle? You should die.” The mouse was scared, “I am sorry, king lion. I didn’t mean to wake you up. I just played around. Please let me go. I will help you someday when you are in trouble.” The lion laughed. “Hahaha, a little mouse like you will never be able to save my life. Okay, I will let you go now.”

      In the next few days, the lion was trapped in a hunter’s ropes. “Help me!” the lion roared. The little mouse saw him and then ate the rope, so that the lion could go off the rope. The lion now can see that little mouse can save his life.

Ø CIRCLE T IF THE STATEMENT IS TRUE AND F IF IT IS FALSE!

         1.      The lion was angry at the mouse because the mouse made noises (T/F)

         2.      The lion underestimated the little mouse who said that he could save the lion’s life (T/F)

         3.      The lion was trapped in a hunter’s hole in a jungle (T/F)

         4.      The mouse saved the lion by eating the rope to make a hole for the lion (T/F)

         5.      The message of the story is never underestimate someone who looks weak for you (T/F)