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A detailed exploration of the Rising Action in a tale, including its definition, noteworthy examples, and additional information.

The escalating sequence of events in a narrative; understanding its significance in the plot, examining prominent instances, and grasping strategies to maintain reader engagement until the climax is reached.

Understanding the Ascendant Movements in a Narrative: Meaning, Illustrations, and Additional...
Understanding the Ascendant Movements in a Narrative: Meaning, Illustrations, and Additional Insights

A detailed exploration of the Rising Action in a tale, including its definition, noteworthy examples, and additional information.

The rising action in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby, is a captivating journey that sets the stage for the climactic events to unfold. This section, often the longest in most stories, lies between the inciting incident and the climax, and in The Great Gatsby, it is filled with key events that propel the narrative forward.

The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, evolves and learns through the struggles he faces in the rising action. His actions and choices create consequences, setbacks, and new obstacles that escalate the tension, particularly the building tension between Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan.

The subplots in the rising action deepen character relationships and echo the main theme. For instance, Nick Carraway, the narrator, is drawn deeper into Gatsby's world, watching Gatsby's obsession with Daisy intensify, and seeing their affair rekindled. The pacing in this section varies, with quieter moments interspersed between high-stakes scenes.

The antagonist, Tom Buchanan, influences the rising action by setting traps, creating setbacks, and staying one step ahead. His manipulative nature serves to heighten the tension and complicate Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy.

The climax of The Great Gatsby is pushed toward by the explosive confrontation at the Plaza Hotel, marking the tragic turning point of the story. This confrontation, along with the escalating conflict and the rising stakes, keeps readers most invested in the story.

Rising action fits into all common story structures such as the Three Act Structure, Five Act Structure, Freytag's Pyramid, or the Fichtean Curve. Examples of rising action can be found in various works, such as 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' by J.R.R. Tolkien, 'Star Wars: A New Hope', 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, and 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespeare.

It's worth noting that The Great Gatsby spans 60% to 80% of the narrative, making it a crucial part of the novel. This section, where tension builds in a story, is where the reader is drawn in, eager to see how the story will unfold. The challenge is keeping the rising action engaging from beginning to end, a feat that Fitzgerald masterfully achieves in The Great Gatsby.

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