Annie Dillard's The Chase Narrative writing allow

Narrative stories follow a certain structure ("Narrative Writing"). They usually begin by introducing the characters in the story and the setting where it will take place. The plot, or the action in the story, usually happens in the middle. Then, the problem around which the action revolved must be resolved in the ending ("Narrative Writing"). The ending also usually illustrates the theme or moral that provides the personal connection to the story for the reader.

Annie Dillard's story of her chase by the angry driver in An American Childhood generally follows this narrative structure. However, Dillard begins with two paragraphs that set up the theme of her story. In these first two paragraphs, Dillard recalls the abandon she experienced when playing football with boys as a child. She remembers how she had to commit herself to the tackle: "It was all or nothing . . . if you flung yourself wholeheartedly at the back of his knees - if you gathered and joined body and soul and pointed them diving fearlessly - then you likely wouldn't get hurt, and you'd stop