Note 1: You can download a copy of the required stories at the bottom of this page.

Note 2: Link to "A Scandal in. Bohemia"

Short Story Unit

The purpose of this unit is to read, analyze, and write short stories. You will read a number of short stories and analyze different aspects of these stories according to the summaries presented in this outline. When your analyses are complete you will then write your own short story.

Reading

You will read four (4) short stories. Three of these will be handed out in class, the fourth will be of your own choosing. For the fourth story please keep a record of the source where you found this story.

Analyses

There are five assignments in the analysis section of this unit. The first is the Short Story Log. The remaining four assignments are the individual analyses. You will choose four different analyses from the following list: Plot, Conflict, Setting, Character, Style, and Theme.

Marks

Log & Analyses

Analysis 1 - 25 marks

Analysis 2 - 25 marks

Analysis 3 - 25 marks

Analysis 4 - 25 marks

• Total 100 marks

Due Dates

• Analysis #1 - due Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

• Analysis #2 - due Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

• Analysis #3 - due Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

• Analysis #4 - due Wednesday, November 27th, 2019

Analyses

Each analysis consists of three sections:

• Introduction - The introduction should state the name of the story, the author, the main characters in the story, the major problem those characters face, and the resolution to that problem.

• Analysis - Summarize the items listed for the particular analysis you are completing. Remember to always support your ideas with specific examples for the story itself.

• Opinion - Give your opinion about the story you have read based on the guidelines suggested below. Again, support your ideas.(note: The Style Analysis and the Theme Analysis do not include an opinion section.)

• Each analysis should be between 1 and 2 pages in length, single spaced, using either Times Roman or Arial font 12.

Types of Analyses

Plot Analysis

Summarize

• beginning

• mini-climax

• climax

• resolution

• epilogue

Opinion

• pacing

• how would you change the plot

• compared to other stories you’ve read

• any other ideas

Conflict Analysis

Summarize

• the type of conflict (four types)

• the characters involved

• how is the conflict developed?

• how is the conflict resolved?

Opinion

• if the conflict necessary to the plot?

• how would you have handled it?

• how would a character from

• another story have handled it?

• do you agree with how the author

• chose to handle it? Why?

Setting Analysis

Summarize

• time

• place

• mood

Opinion

• could the story have taken place somewhere else?

• is more description needed?

• how does it compare to other stories?

• does the mood suit the story?

Character Analysis

Summarize

• physical descriptions

• personality statement

• actions

• interactions

Opinion

• would you want the character for a friend?

• comparison with someone you know

• comparison with other characters

• in other stories you’ve read

• if this character was placed in

• another story, how might the plot

• change in both stories?

Style Analysis

Style is how a writer says whatever he/she says. When you discuss style you can look at several items.

• diction

• figurative speech

• structure of sentences

Diction refers to the selection of words, the vocabulary used in a work of literature.

Figurative Language

• Simile - A comparison between two essentially different items using the word “as” “like”

• Metaphor - A figure of speech in which a work or phrase is applied to an object or action to imply a resemblance (i.e. He is a Lion in Battle)

Structure

Is the structure conversational or more formal? Look at the sentence variety. How does the author create moments of tension, suspense, fear, etc.?

Theme Analysis

A theme is the major or central idea of a work. Usually a writer has an idea or point to make or illustrate values. In your analysis of theme, begin by making an assertion.

For example:

• hatred is built on misunderstanding

• growth is difficult but exciting

• cultures offer unique ways of viewing the world

How to find the theme:

• direct statements in the narrative

• direct statements by the narrator

• dramatic statements made by the characters

• the work itself as it represents itself

Writing about theme

• make and assertion

• show its importance in the story by discussing a character’s actions, conversations, shades or variations of the idea, or plot development.

In your personal opinion, discuss whether this is a common theme, whether you agree with the author, or demonstrate the shortcomings or limitations of the idea.

Required Stories

Example Analyses