Babbit, N. (1970). Kneeknock Rise. [New York]: Scholastic.

Exposition:

Egan goes to visit his aunt in a town called Instep that is just below a mysterious mountain.

Conflict:

When he arrives in town, Egan learns about the terrible Megrimum that howls during storms and comes down to terrorize the village.

Rising Action:

Egan is awoken by a strange sound, which everyone believes is the Megrimum. This experience begins to haunt Egan’s dreams, and when Ada dares him to climb the mountain to see the beast, he decided to do it.

Climax:

Egan climbs to the top of the Kneeknock Rise to slay the Megrimum, but discovers Uncle Ott, who explains that the sounds are caused by a hot spring whistling through a cave.

Falling Action:

When Egan climbs down the mountain and explains that there is no Megrimum, only a hot spring in a cave, he is frustrated that no one wants to accept his explanation.

Resolution:

As Egan talks with the others, he begins to realize that perhaps the mystery of the Megrimum is more important than the truth.

Literary Qualities:

1)      The setting descriptions are very vibrant and distinct. Babbitt creates a mysterious mountain and an exciting fair atmosphere to propel the action.

2)      The author’s use of dialogue to add depth and perspective to the action is very useful in this story. By sharing different character’s reactions through dialogue, we learn their motivation, but overall the story is told from Egan’s perspective.