My first literature blog

A literature question that was asked in my very first class.
"Mr Francis entered the room. There was a piece of paper on the floor."
-Why is the inclusion of the detail of the paper on the floor important?

  The fact that the author has seen fit to include this detail is what makes it significant. An author doesn't provide information that doesn't need to be remembered or considered, because there is simply no point in jabbering on about details that don't mean anything to the story. The paper on the floor immediately attracts the audience's attention because it is important enough to have been mentioned.

  The paper itself being on the floor could be important for a number of reasons. For example, it could signify the condition of the room -perhaps the room is a mess. Or maybe the paper is there to be picked up -perhaps it contains information relevant to the rest of the story. It could even be a distraction; so when Mr Francis picks up the paper, he fails to notice the hidden person about to ambush him. The possibilities are endless.