WRIT 305 _DB Forum 2 NOTES 2016.pdf

In the “Four Elements of Storytelling” lecture, Karen discusses writing about the emotional,

physical, spiritual, and intellectual portions of a character. Choose either One Thousand Gifts or

The Pilgrim’s Progress and describe how the author has used all 4 of these elements to tell the

story.

Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of Module/Week 3, and submit your replies

Kingsbury claims that each of these four elements work together to create a page turning novel.

As each page conscientiously leads to the next, each of these four fundamental components are

indeed found in Ann Voscamp’s One Thousand Gifts.

Physical storytelling includes the plot with its twist and turns, the setting and events of

the story, character descriptions and actions, made up of conflicts and resolutions. Physical

storytelling is how the the story itself plays out. Ann’s description of the amber grained fields,

the red-roofed dairy farm, the the paint flecked spindled chairs, the sun pierced soap bubbles

hovering above the deep kitchen sink, create the setting of the story. Ann names the Farmer, the

Man-child, the Tall-son, the Small-girl, each providing character descriptions. Losing a sister in

her youth, watching her brother bury his sons, Levi’s injury, concerns about the financial

attempts to excavate thanksgiving, joy, and beauty from the ugliness of grief, pain, and suffering.

Emotional storytelling includes the character’s inner most feelings, their hopes and

dreams, their own emotional reactions such as fear and panic, tears and laughter, joy and pain, as

well as the character’s feelings about one another. Emotional storytelling is the part that makes

too fears death, her panic as she runs to the barn after hearing Levi has been injured, her toe

gripping the floor anxiety as she discusses her fears of losing the farm, each an emotional

reaction.

Physical, intellectual, and emotional storytelling stand independently, spiritual

storytelling however is the fabric of choices and consequences as they connect to a Christian

worldview interweaved throughout the other three elements. Eucharisto, thanksgiving, the listing

of one thousand gifts and beyond, the transfiguration, the journey lading Ann to embrace the

beautiful ugly, weaves the spiritual aspects into the story.

Resources:

Kingsbury, Karen. "Four Elements of Storytelling." Liberty University Online. 2015. Web. 04

I agree that Ann Vankamp’s use of the first person point of view in One Thousand Gifts

indeed allows for an easier connection to the intellectual elements of storytelling. In sharing

inner monologues Voskamp’s belief system and worldview are clearly evident, interweaving the

spiritual aspects of the story. Voskamp’s views all of the world as a window through which one is

window, Paul likens to a mirror, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I

know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” All is transparent

for those who are willing to see.

Reference:

MI: Zondervan.

to relay her story. In as much, the reader is constantly engaged in Vankamp’s inner dialogue, the

intellectual aspect of the story. As you have identified, grief is a continuous element of the story

bringing with all of the emotions of loss. As Vankamp practices Eucharisto, thanksgiving, the

listing of one thousand gifts and beyond, the transfiguration, the journey leading Ann to embrace

Vankamp provides incredibly vivid, visually descriptive aspects to her story. I must agree that

Vankamp has mastered inclusion of each of the four elements of storytelling.

Reference:

Voskamp, A. (2010). One thousand gifts: A dare to live fully right where you are. Grand Rapids,