Short Story Unit

Genre A category of literature Example: short story, poetry, or drama

Short Story Definition a fictional, prose, narrative of 12,000 words or less Fictional: not true Prose: written in sentences and paragraphs Narrative: tells a story

Plot The sequence of events (action) in a narrative Plotline Model

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing Flashback: A scene that interrupts the action of a story to tell about events that happened at an earlier time Example: In the Lion King, during Simba’s fight with Scar, Simba is hanging over the edge of the cliff and the movie uses a flashback to revert to the scene where Mufasa was hanging in a similar way.

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing Foreshadowing- Clues that hint at actions that are to follow in the story Example: Horror movies – any time a blonde screams at the beginning, she’ll be dead before the end of movie

Figures of Speech literary devices used by an author simile- A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Example: You eat like a pig. metaphor- A comparison between two unlike things without using like or as. Example: You’re such a pig.

Figures of Speech imagery- language that appeals to the five senses-taste, touch, sight, smell, hearing Example: mouth-watering chocolate; slick and glistening streets

Figures of Speech irony- A contrast between what is stated and what is really meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens Example: Calling a 6’6’’ guy “shorty” / A guy gives up drinking, then he’s killed when a beer truck hits him.

Theme the message or messages the author is trying to show the reader

Point of View the position from which the story is told to the reader First person- the narrator is a character in the story Innocent eye- 1st person- when the narrator is a child in the story Example: The Wonder Years; A Christmas Story; Malcolm in the Middle

Point of View Third person- the narrator is outside the story Omniscient- all knowing; the narrator is outside the story and tells the reader everything Example: The beginning of Beauty and the Beast starts with a hand opening a book and stating, “Once upon a time…” Limited Omniscient- narrator tells most of the story

Types of Conflict Internal- a person is in conflict within himself (character vs. self) Example: Simba’s inner struggle to get over his guilt and decide whether or not to face his past by returning to the pride.

Types of Conflict External- conflict arises from the outside character vs. character- conflict between two characters Example: Simba versus Scar character vs. nature- conflict between character and nature Example: Survivor; The Amazing Race

Types of Conflict character vs. society- conflict between character and society Example: In Beauty and the Beast, the Beast struggles to fit into society despite his looks. character vs. supernatural- conflict between ghosts, etc Example: Aliens; Terminator

Character Types static- Character’s personality does not change throughout the story Example: Throughout the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo remains courageous and adventurous.

Character Types dynamic- Character undergoes a change in attitude or personality Example: In Finding Nemo, Marlin (Nemo’s dad) changes as he learns to not let fear control his life.

Character Types stereotype- the character represents an entire group of people Example: The show/movie Clueless has the “ditzy blonde” stereotype.

Characterization the way the author presents the character to the reader direct-the author states in the text what the character is like Example: Henry is not intelligent.

Characterization indirect- the character states what he or she is feeling Example: “Boy, Henry you’re not too smart.” inferred- the reader has to arrive at the conclusion by interpreting the character’s actions Example: Henry forgot to do his homework every day.

Aspects of A Character physical- characteristics such as height, weight, hair, and eye color Example: Belle from Beauty and the Beast has brown hair, thin, dainty-like psychological-what is going on in the character’s mind and how he thinks, acts, and behaves Example: Belle is smart, kind, compassionate, open-minded

Aspects of A Character sociological- where a character actually fits into society Example: Beast from Beauty and the Beast is ostracized/shunned by society because of his looks

Aspects of A Character PROTAGONIST- Central character in a work of literature (not necessarily a hero or “good guy”) Example: Simba ANTAGONIST- Character who opposes the protagonist Example: Scar

Levels of Understanding literal level- what the story is about- the plot line/surface level interpretative level- the author’s message(s) and understanding applied level- how do those messages apply to your own personal life and to our society

Tone and Atmosphere Tone- the author’s attitude toward his subject Atmosphere- mood Example: scary, happy, sad, etc.

World Views How the author feels toward life and existence Romantic- positive; good, capable of change, happy endings, etc (Disney)

World Views Realistic- no emotions, facts only, no “good” or “bad” (Newspaper) Naturalistic- negative, people are not good; man is trapped in a mechanized society and can’t help himself

Epiphany a sudden understanding of something you didn’t understand before (AHA! Moment)