The Situation Elements

The situation elements answer the four questions, when, where, who, and why.

Each of the quotations below is the beginning of a story, and contains the mention of the place, time, occasion, and characters. The situation elements answer the questions who, where, when, why —the four w's.

This is one accepted way of beginning a story— the method of the four w's. If these questions which naturally occur to us in regard to place, time, etc.; are answered at the be¬ginning of the story, our minds are satisfied, and we are prepared to hear more.

The woods were already filled with shadows one June evening, just before eight o'clock, though a bright sunset still glimmered faintly among the trunks of the trees. A little girl was driving home her cow, a plod¬ding, dilatory, provoking creature in her behavior, but a valued companion for all that. They were going away from whatever light there was, and striking deep into the woods, but their feet were familiar with the path, and it was no matter whether their eyes could see it or not.

- SARAH ORNE JEWETT, A White Heron.

In the old Colony days, in Plymouth the land of the Pilgrims, To and fro in a room of his simple and primitive dwelling, Clad in doublet and hose, and boots of Cordovan leather, Strode, with a martial air, Miles Standish the Puritan Captain. Buried in thought he seemed, with his hands behind him, and pausing Ever and anon to behold his glittering weapons of warfare. Near him was seated John Alden, his friend, and house¬hold companion, Writing with diligent speed at a table of pine by the window.

- HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, Courtshifi of Miles Standish.