Short Stories

Interesting Fact Short Stories were “named/invented by Edgar Allan Poe Thought to be shorter and more appealing

Features Shorter than a novel Contain same elements as a novel, such as:  Plot  Characterization  Point of View  Setting  Symbol  Irony

Plot Series of events that occur in a story

Characterization Author’s creation of individuals Must be examined for all of their unique qualities  Imperfections  Traits: physical and emotional

Point of View Perspective that the story is in  First person: use of “I”, reader only knows what that specific char. Knows  Second person: use of “you”, reader knows what is directed at them by narrator  Third person omniscient: use of “he, “she”, “it”, reader knows all due to narrator’s knowledge

Setting Natural and artificial environment of the story  Time: hour, year, date in history  Place: physical location, city/state, continent  Atmosphere: weather, mood, tone

Symbol Representation that means something outside itself

Irony Language used that produces and effect opposite to what is expected

Plot Diagram Exposition: setting, char. Rising action: action + complications Climax: major conflict Falling action: wrap up of char./ actions Resolution: result of actions

Purposeful Diction Zigzag Unusual Solitary Dismal Danger-light Grave Dark Deadly Supernatural Spirit Jagged Red Frozen Appearance Spectre Thrill unreality “It was the mental torture of a conscientious man, oppressed beyond endurance by an unintelligible responsibility involving life”. –Charles Dickens