Story Writing

STORY-WRITING

To tell even a simple story well requires some practice. An uneducated person generally tells a tale badly. He does not mentally look ahead as he tells it and plans it out. So he repeats himself, omits important items, which he drags in afterwards out of place, and dwells too long on minor details and fails to emphasise the leading points. To write a good story, you must have the whole plot clear in your mind, and the main points arranged in their proper order.

In this exercise you are not asked to make up a story. The plot of each story is given to you, more or less fully, in the outlines provided. But an outline is only a skeleton; it is your work to clothe the skeleton with flesh and breathe life into it. You must try to produce a connected narrative, and to make it as interesting as you can.

HINTS

As has been already said, see that you have a clear idea of the plot of the story in your mind before you begin to write.

Follow the outline given; i.e., do not omit any point, and keep to the order in which the points are given in the out line.

Be careful to connect the points given in the outline naturally, so that the whole will read well as a connected piece of good composition. Otherwise the whole will be disconnected and jerky. You must use your imagination in filling in the details of action, gesture and conversation that should connect one point with the next.

Where possible, introduce dialogue or conversation; but be careful to make it natural and interesting.

The conclusion of a story is important. The whole story should be made to lead up to it naturally, and then it should come as a bit of surprise.

If you are asked to supply a heading or title to the story, you may choose the main character, object or incident of the story (e.g.,"The Barber of Baghdad," or "The Pot of Olives,"or "An Accident"); or, a proverb or well-known quotation that suits the story (e.g.,"No pains, no gains," "Sorrow's Crown of Sorrow", etc.)

See that your composition is grammatical and idiomatic and in good simple English. Revise your work, and if necessary rewrite it, until it is as good as you can make it.

Specimen Outline

Boy set to guard sheep-told to cry “Wolf!” if he sees a wolf near the flock- watches the sheep for several days-gets tired of the monotonous work-so one day shouts "Wolf !" as a joke-all the villagers hasten to his help-they find no wolf- boy laughs at them-villagers angry-plays the same joke a few days later-some villagers take no notice-some come running-finding nothing, they beat the boy-at last wolf really comes-boy is terrified and shouts "Wolf ! Wolf-villagers take no notice-wolf kills several sheep.

Complete Story

THE BOY WHO CRIED "WOLF !"

One of the boys in a village was sent out into fields to look after the sheep.

“Mind you take care of them and don't let them stray,” said the villagers to him. “And keep a good look out for wolves. Don't go far away: and if you see a wolf coming near the sheep, shout out 'Wolf!' as loudly as you can, and we will come at once to help you.”

"All right !" said the boy, "I will be careful."

So every morning he drove his sheep out to the hillside and watched them all day. And when evening came, he drove them home again.

But after a few days he got rather tired of this lonely life. Nothing happened and no wolves came. So one afternoon he said to himself: "These villagers have given me a very stupid job. I think I will play a trick on them just for fun."

So he got up and began shouting as loudly as he could, "Wolf ! Wolf !"

The people in the village heard him, and at once they came running with sticks.

"Wolf ! Wolf !" shouted the boy; and they ran faster. At last they came up to him. out of breath.

"Where is the wolf ?" they panted. But the boy only laughed and said: '"There is no wolf. I only shouted in fun. And it was fun to see you all running as hard as you could !"

The men were very angry.

"You young rascal !" they said. "If you play a trick like that again, we will beat you instead of the wolf."

And they went back to their work in the village.

For some days the boy kept quiet. But he got restless again, and said to himself: "I wonder if they will come running again if I cry 'Wolf !' once more. It was such fun the last time."

So once more he began shouting , "Wolf ! Wolf !"

The villagers heard him. Some said. "That boy is up to his tricks again." But others said, "It may be true this time; and if there really is a wolf, we shall lose some of our sheep."

So they seized their sticks, and ran out of the village to the hillside.

"Where is the wolf ?" they cried, as they came up.

"Nowhere !" said the boy laughing. "It was fun to see you running up the hill as fast you could."

"We will teach you to play jokes," shouted the angry men; and they seized the boy and gave him a good beating, and left him crying instead of laughing.

A few days later a wolf really did come. When the boy saw it, he was very frightened and began shouting "Wolf ! Wolf ! Help ! Help !" as loudly as he could.

The villagers heard him, but they took no notice.

"He is playing his tricks again," they said. "We won't be made fools for a third time. You can't believe a boy after you have caught him lying twice."

So no one went to his help, and the wolf killed several sheep and frightened the boy nearly out of his wits.

Exercise

Construct readable stories from the following outlines

1. An old lady becomes blind – call in a doctor – aggress to pay large fee if

cured, but nothing if not-doctor calls daily-covets lady's furniture- delays the cure-every day takes away some of her furniture-at last cures her-demands his fees-lady refuses to pay, saying cure is not complete-doctor brings a court case-judge asks lady why she will not pay-she says sight not properly restored-she cannot see all her furniture-judge gives verdict in her favour-moral.

A jackal wants crabs on the other side of a river-wonders how to get across-tells camel there is sugarcane the other side-camel agrees to carry him across in return for the information-they cross-jackal finishes his meal-plays trick on camel-runs round the fields howling- villagers rush out-see camel in sugarcane-beat him with sticks-camel runs to river-jackal jumps on his back-while crossing, camel asks jackal why he played him such a trick-jackal says he always howls after a good meal-camel replies he always takes a bath after a good meal-rolls in the river-jackal nearly drowned-tit-for-tat.

A son is born to a Rajah-the mother dies in childbirth-a young mother with a baby is chosen as nurse-she nurses both babies together-enemies of the Rajah plot to kill his son-they bribe the guards and get into the palace-the nurse is warned just in time-quickly changes the children's dresses-leaves her own child dressed as prince and flies with real prince-murderers enter room and kill the child left behind-so prince is saved-Rajah offers nurse rewards-she refuses them and kills herself-Rajah grieved-erects splendid tomb for the faithful nurse.

A miser loses a purse of a hundred pieces of gold-in great distress-goes to town crier-crier says he must offer a reward-offers reward of ten pieces of gold--the crier announces this -a few days later a farmer comes to the miser-he has picked up the purse-returns it to miser-miser counts the money-a hundred pieces of gold-thanks the farmer-the farmer asks for the reward-miser says there were a hundred and ten pieces in the purse, so the farmer has already taken his reward of ten pieces-they quarrel-farmer appeals to the judge---the judge hears the case, and asks for the purse-sees that it only just holds a hundred pieces-decides it cannot be the miser's purse-so gives the purse to farmer-the miser had overreached himself.

A king distressed-his people lazy-to teach them a lesson he had a big stone put in the middle of the road one night-next day merchants pass and go round it-an officer driving in his carriage did the same-a young soldier came riding, did the same-all cursed the stone and blamed the government for not removing it-then the king had the stone removed- under it was an iron box, marked, “For the man who moves away the stone”-inside a purse full of money-the people were ashamed.

Tiger kills an Indian lady travelling through the jungle-as he eats her body, he notices her gold bangle-keeps it as he thinks it may be useful-later he hides himself by a pool-traveller comes to pool, dusty and tired-strips and bathes in cool water-sees the tiger in bushes watching him-terrified-tiger greets him-with a mild voice-says he is pious and

spends time in prayer-as a sign of goodwill, offers the traveller the gold bangle-traveller's greed overcomes his fear-crossed pool to take bangle-tiger springs on him and kills him.

A young man setting out on a journey-accompanied part way by an old man-they part under a pipal tree-young man asks old man to keep Rs. 100 for him till he returns-old man agrees and takes money-old man says he never gave him any to keep-young man takes him before judge- judge sends young man to summon tree to court--a long time away- judge asks old man, "Why?"-old man says tree is long way off-judge sees that the old man knows which tree it is-when young man returns, judge gives verdict in his favour.

A poor Brahmin travelling through forests-comes across a tiger caught in a trap-tiger begs him to let him out-Brahmin in pity does so-tiger knocks him down-Brahmin pleads for his life and says the tiger is ungrateful-tiger agrees that he may appeal to three things against tiger- '. Brahmin first asks a pipal tree-tree says all men are ungrateful-tree gives them shade and they cut its branches-Brahmin next asks the road- the road says that in return for its services men trample on it with heavy boots-Brahmin then asks a buffalo-buffalo says her, master beats her and makes her turn a Persian wheel-Brahmin in despair-consults a jackal-jackal asks how tiger got into cage-tiger jumps in to show him-jackal shuts cage and walks away with Brahmin.

Baghdad merchant, about to go with a caravan to Damascus, suddenly falls ill-entrusts his bales of silk to a camel-driver-says he will go to Damascus as soon as he is well-will pay camel-driver when he arrives- camel-driver waits in Damascus--merchant does not come-camel-driver sells the silk for a large sum--shaves his beard, dyes his hair and dresses in fine clothes-Baghdad merchant at last arrives-searches all Damascus for camel-driver-one day recognises him-camel-driver pretends to be a merchant of Samarkand-Baghdad merchant brings him before the judge-judge decides he can do nothing, as there are no witnesses- as camel-driver leaves court, judge suddenly calls out "Camel !"- driver -he stops and turns round-judge puts him in prison, and makes him pay money to Baghdad merchant.

A slave in ancient Carthage-cruel master-slave runs away into desert-sleeps that night in a cave-waked up by terrible roar-sees lion coming into cave-terrified-but lion quite gentle-holds up wounded paw-slave takes out a big thorn-lion grateful and wags his tail-- slave and lion live together as friends-at last slave homesick-goes back to Carthage-is caught by his master-condemned by judge to be thrown to lions-thousands go to amphitheatre to see man fight lion- slave brought out-lion rushes to attack him-but when he sees slave lies down and licks his feet-same lion-great astonishment-governor sends for slave-hears his story-frees slave and gives him the lion.

King Solomon noted for his wisdom-Queen of Sheba heard of his fame-came to visit him-impressed by his wealth and grandeur-wanted to test his power of solving puzzles-showed him two garlands of flowers, one in right hand and one in left-one real, the other artificial-asks, “Which is which?”-courtiers puzzled-both garlands look the same-Solomon silent-Queen feels triumphant-Solomon ordered windows to be opened-bees flew in from garden-buzzed about the Queen-all settled on garland in her right hand-Solomon said the flowers in right hand real, in left hand artificial-Queen impressed with his wisdom.

Ship of pirate becalmed near rocky coast-pirate sees bell fastened to dangerous submerged rock-asks what it is-is told it was placed there to warn sailors in storms-thinks it would be a joke to take the bell-rows across in boat to rock-they cut the chain and sink the bell-wind rises and they sail away-years after pirate returns to same coast-sea covered with fog and storm rising-pirate does not know where he is-a terrible crash-ship strikes on

the same rock-as they go down the pirate realizes his ship wrecked on the same rock-wishes he had left the bell alone.

Rich nobleman gives a grand feast-many guests-his steward tells him a fisherman has brought a fine fish-nobleman tells him to pay him his price-steward says his price is a hundred lashes--nobleman thinks this a merry jest-sends for fisherman-fisherman confirms steward's report – nobleman agrees – fisherman quietly receives fifty lashes - then

stops-says, he has;i partner to whom he promised half the price-“Who is he ?”-nobleman's porter-“Why ?”-porter refused to let him in if he did not agree-porter brought in and given the other fifty lashes- guests enjoy joke-nobleman rewards fisherman.

Ali, a barber in Baghdad-Hassan, a wood-seller-Hassan brings AH load of wood on a donkey-they bargain about the price-at last Ali offers so much for “all the wood on the donkey's back”-Hassan agrees- unloads the wood-Ali claims donkey's wooden saddles-Hassan protests-quarrel-Ali seizes saddle and drives Hassan away with blows- Hassan appeals to Khalif-Khalif gives him advice-some days later Hassan goes to Ali's shop-asks Ali to shave him and a friend for so much-Ali agrees-shaves Has san first-"Where is your friend?"-"Outside"-Hassan fetches in his donkey-Ali refuses to shave donkey- drives Hassan away-Hassan reports to Khalif-Khalif sends for Ali- forces him to fulfill his bargain-Ali has to shave Hassan's friend, the donkey, before all the courtiers-great laughter, and shame for Ali.

REPRODUCTION OF A STORY-POEM

What you have to do in these exercises,, is to tell in your own words the story which is told in a poem. The first thing, then, is to read the poem as a story, so that you know what the story is; and the next is, to tell the same story over again in your own words and your own way.

HINTS

Read the whole poem through, slowly and carefully. If after the first reading, the story is not quite clear, read the poem again, and yet again, until you feel you understand it thoroughly.

Write down briefly the chief facts of the story, in order to guide you in your narration. Do not leave out any important point.

Now try to write out the story in simple, straightforward English, telling the incidents of the story in their natural order.

Do not copy the language of the poem. You must use your own words in telling the story. But do not try to use the fine language; be simple and choose plain words.

When you have finished the exercise, read it through to see whether you have left out any important fact, or have stated any wrongly.

Finally, examine your composition for mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation. And see that your sentences are properly constructed, and that the whole composition reads well.

SPECIMENS

Tell concisely in the form and style appropriate to a prose-narrative the story of the following poem:-

THE GLOVE AND THE LIONS

King Francis was a hearty king, and loved a royal sport;

And one day, as his lions strove, sat looking on the court;

The nobles filled the benches round, the ladies by their side,

And 'mongst them Count de Lorge, with one he hoped to make his bride.

And truly 'twas a gallant thing, to see the crowning show.

Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below.

Ramped and roared the lions, with horrid laughing jaws;

They bit, they glared, gave blows like beams, and went with their paws;

With wallowing might and stifled roar they rolled one on another,

Till all the pit, with sand and mane was in a thund'rous smother;

The bloody foam above the bars came whizzing through the air;

Said Francis then, “Good gentlemen, we're better here than there!”

De Lorge's love overheard the king, a beauteous lively dame,

With smiling lips, and sharp bright eyes, which always seemed the same; She thought, “The Count, my lover, is as brave as brave can be;

“He surely would do desperate things to show his love of me ! “King, ladies, lovers all look on; the chance is wondrous fine; "I'll drop my glove to prove his love; great glory will be mine !"

She dropped her glove to prove his love; then looked on him and smiled; He bowed, and in a moment leaped among the lions wild;

The leap was quick; return was quick; he soon regained his place-Then threw the glove, but not with love, right in the lady's face !

"Well done!" cried Francis, "bravely done!" and he rose from where he sat:

"No love,” quoth he, "but vanity, sets love a task like that !"

REPRODUCTION THE GLOVE AND THE LIONS

King Francis was a great lover of all kinds of sport; and one day he and his courtiers, noblemen and ladies, sat watching wild savage lions fighting each other in the enclosure below. Amongst the courtiers sat Count de Lorge beside a beautiful and lively lady of noble birth whom he loved and hoped to marry. The lions roared, and bit and tore each other with savage fury, until the king said to his courtiers, "Gentlemen, we are better up here than down there !"

The lady, hearing him, thought she would show the king and his court how devoted her lover was to her : so she dropped her glove down among the fighting lions, and then looked at Count de Lorge and smiled at him. He bowed to her, and leaped down among

the savage lions without hesitation, recovered the glove, and climbed back to his place in a few moments. Then he threw the glove right in the lady's face.

King Francis cried out. "Well and bravely done ! But it was not love that made you lady set you such a dangerous thing to do. but her vanity !'"

2. Tell the story of Leigh Hunt's "Plate of Gold" in five short paragraphs:-

THE PLATE OF GOLD

One day there fell in great Benares' temple-court

A wondrous plate of gold, whereon these words were writ; “To him who loveth best, a gift from Heaven.” There at

The priests made proclamation : “At the midday hour, Each day, let those assemble who

for virtue deem Their right to heaven's gift the best; and we will hear The deeds of mercy

done, and so adjudge.”

The news

Ran swift as light, and soon from every quarter came

Nobles and munshis, hermits, scholars, holy men, And all renowned for gracious or for splendid deeds. Meanwhile the priests in solemn council sat and heard What each had done to merit best the gift of Heaven. So for a year the claimants came and went.

At last,

After a patient weighing of the worth of all, The priests bestowed the plate of gold on one who seemed The largest lover of the race-whose whole estate. Within the year, had been parted among the poor. This man. all trembling with his joy. advanced to take The golden plate-when lo! at his first finger touch It changed to basest lead ! All stood aghast: but when The hapless claimant dropt it clanging on the floor, Heaven's guerdon was again transformed to shining gold. So for another twelve month sat the priests and judged, Thrice they awarded-thrice did Heaven refuse the gift. Meanwhile a host of poor, maimed beggars in the street Lay all about the temple gate, in hope to move That love whereby each claimant hoped to win the gift. And well for them it was (if gold be charity), For every pilgrim to the temple gate praised God. That love might thus approve itself before the test. And so the coins rained freely in the outstretched hands; But none of those who gave, so much as turned to look Into the poor sad eyes of them that begged.

And now

The second year had almost passed, but still the plate Of gold, by whomsoever touched, was turned to lead. At length there came a simple peasant-not aware Of that strange contest for the gift of God-to pay A vow within the temple. As he passed along The line of shrivelled beggars, all his soul was moved Within him to sweet pity, and the tears welled up And trembled in his eyes.

Now by the temple gate

There lay a poor, sore creature, blind, and shunned by all; But when the peasant came, and saw the sightless face And trembling, maimed hands, he could not pass, but knelt, And took both palms in his, and softly said; "O thou, My brother ! bear the trouble bravely. God is good." Then he arose and walked straightway across the court, And entered where they wrangled of their deeds of love Before the priests.

A while he listened sadly; then Had turned away; but something moved the priest who held The plate of gold to beckon to the peasant. So He came, not understanding, and obeyed, and stretched His hand and took the sacred vessel. Lo ! it shone With thrice its former lustre, and amazed them all ! "Son", cried the priest, "rejoice. The gift of God is thine. Thou lovest best !" And all made answer, "It is well." And, one by one, departed. But the peasant knelt And prayed, bowing his head above the golden plate; While o'er his soul like morning streamed the love of God.

REPRODUCTION

THE PLATE OF GOLD

One day a wonderful plate made of gold fell from Heaven into the court of a temple at Benares; and on the plate these words were inscribed; "A gift from Heaven to him who loves best." The priests at once made a proclamation that every day at twelve o'clock, all who would like to claim the plate should assemble at the temple, to have their kind deeds judged.

Every day for a whole year all kinds of holy men, hermits, scholars and nobles came, and related to the priests their deeds of charity, and the priests in solemn council heard their claims. At last they decided that the one who seemed to be the greatest lover of mankind was a rich man who had that very year given all his wealth to the poor. So they gave him the plate of gold, but when he took it in his hand, it turned to worthless, lead; though, when he dropped it in his amazement on to the floor, it became gold again.

For another year claimants came; and the priests awarded the prize three times. But the same thing happened, showing that Heaven did not consider these men worthy of the gift. Meanwhile a large number of beggars came and lay about the temple gate, hoping that the claimants who came would give them alms to prove they were worthy of the golden plate. It was a good time for the beggars, because the pilgrims gave them plenty of money; but they gave them no sympathy, nor even a look of pity.

At last a simple peasant, who had heard nothing about the plate of gold, came; and he was so touched by the sight of the miserable beggars, that he wept; and when, he saw a poor blind and maimed wretch at the temple gate, he knelt at his side and took his maimed hands in his and comforted him with kind words. When this peasant came to the temple, he was shocked to find it full of men boasting of their kind deeds and quarrelling with the priest. One priest, who held the golden plate in his hand, seeing the peasant standing there, beckoned to him; and the peasant came, and knowing nothing about the plate, took it in his hands. At once it shone out with three times its former splendour, and the priests said : "Son, the gift is yours : for you love best."