Tenses and Literature

Present Tense:

· Action in Literature:

Ex: Mrs. Mallard is described as having a heart condition in the exposition.

Ex: We learn of her initial unwillingness to accept the joy that is creeping toward her: “[S]he [waits] for it, fearfully. [. . .] [S]he [strives] to beat it back against her will [. . .]” (Chopin 119).

· The act/product of writing

Ex: In “Story,” Kate Chopin suggests that the mutual obligations inherent in relationships may cause the participants to prefer the freedom of loneliness.

Past Tense:

· Mention of things that happened before the story started

Ex: Louise Mallard admits that there were times that she had loved her husband; however, more frequently, she had not. Now, she is excited by the prospect of a life all her own.

· Reference to the actual life of the author

Ex: Chopin did not enjoy recognition during her life. Only after she died did people appreciate her work.