In today’s fast-paced world, capturing the attention of an audience is more important than ever. For students studying literature and creative writing, learning about the concept of media res can be incredibly beneficial. In media res, Latin for “in the middle of things,” refers to starting a narrative amid action or conflict. Teachers can employ various strategies to introduce this captivating storytelling technique.
Understanding In Media Res
Before diving into examples, it’s crucial to ensure that students have a firm grasp of what media res entails. Begin by discussing traditional narrative structure and then contrast it with stories that eschew linear progression. Emphasize how authors use media res to create tension and pique curiosity from the very start, fueling readers’ motivation to uncover what led to the situation.
Exploring Examples
To help students appreciate how media res functions in various contexts, present them with multifarious examples across genres and mediums:
1. Classical Literature: The epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer plunges readers into Odysseus’s adventure without disclosing how he ended up on his journey.
2. Film: Christopher Nolan’s film “Memento” employs a non-linear timeline that keeps viewers questioning past events as they piece together the protagonist’s story.
3. Modern Fiction: Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” starts with protagonist Billy Pilgrim abducted by aliens, leaving readers curious about his life before.
Eliciting Class Discussions
After examining examples of media res, encourage students to share their thoughts on its effectiveness and impact on a narrative. Initiate discussions on whether they find these stories engaging or confusing and if this technique applies to all forms of storytelling or is more suitable for specific genres.
In-Class Exercises and Assignments
Integrating practice into lesson plans can help students develop a deeper understanding of in-media res:
1. Write a Scene: Task students with penning an opening scene starting in media res. Invite them to share and discuss their pieces in small groups or with the class.
2. Rearrange the Order: Analyze a linear story and have students re-write it, starting at a later point to create an in-media res opening.
3. Identify Techniques: Assign various texts or scenes employing media res and ask students to identify how authors bridge gaps between the beginning, middle, and end.
Teaching in media res is an essential tool for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling skills among students, equipping them to effectively engage with contemporary narratives. By providing examples, sparking discussions, and offering practical exercises, educators can teach students how to recognize and employ this technique—strengthening their writing abilities in the process.
