Note 1: You can download a copy of this assignment at the bottom of the page.
Note 2: You can download a copy of the required stories at the bottom of this page.
Note 3: Link to "A Scandal in. Bohemia"
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.
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.
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.
You will write an original short story in a genre of your own choosing. This story is to be about five (5) single spaced pages in length, incorporating the concepts that you have learned through your analyses.
Analysis 1 - 25 marks
Analysis 2 - 25 marks
Analysis 3 - 25 marks
Analysis 4 - 25 marks
Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation - 10 marks
Format - 10 marks
Story Content - 30 marks
- 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
- The original short story is due Monday, December 18th, 2017
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.
- beginning
- mini-climax
- climax
- resolution
- epilogue
- pacing
- how would you change the plot
- compared to other stories you’ve read
- any other ideas
- the type of conflict (four types)
- the characters involved
- how is the conflict developed?
- how is the conflict resolved?
- 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?
- 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?
- physical descriptions
- personality statement
- actions
- interactions
- 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 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.
- 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)
Is the structure conversational or more formal? Look at the sentence variety. How does the author create moments of tension, suspense, fear, etc.?
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
- 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.