SETTING, THEMES, AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE OF “A BEACON OF LIGHT” A SHORT STORY
The setting, which is the time of place where “A Beacon of Light” takes place, plays a significant role in the story, shaping the narrative, characters, and themes.
There are two main settings in the story. That is the village setting (Obane) and the City (Accra).
The village setting is a rural community in Ghana. Osmond’s hometown (Obane) is where his journey begins. This traditional setting reflects the idea of “Limited opportunities” as Osmond was restricted to only the field to tend the cows, singing, and sharing stories with his sister. Again, this setting also depicts the strong community bonds that he has with his village at heart. Moreover, the Obane village represents humble beginnings and tradition.
With the City setting which is Accra, Ghana, the city where Osmond pursues education and dreams, this Urban and modern setting becomes a hub for education and music. The city setting also symbolizes progress, opportunity, and modernity.
In all, the two settings depict a contrast: The rural-urban contrast highlights Osmond’s transformation from just a village cow herder into a superstar.
THEMATIC ANALYSIS
“A Beacon of Light” contains various themes that resonate throughout the narrative.
Some of the themes in the story include:
Hope Meets Opportunity: This theme projects Osmond’s dreams and hope that he will become great someday while tending the animals on the farm. He uses songs as a source of personal inspiration. It is with Hope that Ms. Adjei saw an “opportunity” when Ms. Adjei saw him and built upon his talent.
Family and Community: This also communicates the immense support that Osmond received from family and Community, especially the support from Mr. Gangaa (the head teacher), Tetteh (his father), Akua (his mother), and Nene Attiapa (the village chief). This support played a vital role in Osmond’s success. Without these support , he would have become a star.
Education for Empowerment: Education empowers Osmond’s life and enables him to give back. Schooling at the Potters Gold School in Accra helped Osmond to excel academically, and Ama, who also helped him become a star.
Philanthropy: When Osmond becomes successful, he teams up with an NGO, “Empower Ghana” to give back and improve his village that inspired him to get to the top.
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE AND STYLE
POINT OF VIEW (POV)
The author employs the Third-Person Omniscient narrator to recount the story. This narrator knows everything about the characters in the story especially providing insight into Osmond’s thoughts and feelings.
TYPE OF PLOT USED
The type of linear plot was used in the story. This plot follows a chronological sequence of events. In other words, there is a beginning, middle, and end to the story. It eschews any form of flashback. The story unfolds chronologically, tracing Osmond’s growth (beginning) Life in Accra (middle), Osmond returns to his village.
PLOT STRUCTURE OF THE STORY
The plot structure is the framework that organizes events in a story.
Exposition: Introduces Osmond’s rural existence, talent, and aspiration for school.
Rising action: This is where Ms. Adjei, the Education Officer, hears him singing in the distance and agrees to help him
Climax: Osmond’s musical performance at the Ghana Music Awards and won the Award.
Falling action: Osmond’s music career takes off and he gives back to his village.
Resolution: Osmond’s success transforms his village and
Inspires others.
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