M. Jones - English Short Stories

There will be a test at the end of this unit

What is a Short Story? Semi-official definition: A work of fiction that can be read in one sitting.

Have we read any short stories thus far? Duffy’s Jacket 3 Skeleton Key The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Famous Short Stories A Clean Well-Lighted Place – Ernest Hemingway The Lottery – Shirley Jackson The Last Leaf – O. Henry Araby – James Joyce The Tell-Tale Heart - Edgar Allen Poe Many of the most famous book authors have also written short stories.

Elements of a Short Story All short stories have certain characteristics that most novels, books, stories, movies etc have.

1. Characters The story’s “actors.” Could be people or animals. Protagonist: the main character. This person is the one facing the problem. Antagonist: The character or force that conflicts with the protagonist.

2. Plot The chain of related events that take place in a story. “What happens in the story!” What is the Exposition? What is Rising Action? What is the Climax? What is a Resolution?

Conflict A struggle between 2 opposing forces. External Conflict: Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. obstacle or society Internal Conflict: Man vs. Himself WHAT TYPE OF CONFLICT WOULD BE FOUND IN THE LITTLE MERMAID?

Determining Topics A topic is a one or two word idea that is something that is talked about or dealt with somehow in the story Love Friendship Jealousy Overcoming Trials Words like “sad” or “excited” aren’t really topics. They’re more like what is called the TONE of the story.. How it makes you feel. WHAT TOPICS WOULD BE FOUND IN THE LITTLE MERMAID?

4. Theme The idea about human life and human nature that gives meaning to the story. The central message. What is it that this author is trying to say?? Characteristics of a Theme? A theme must be stated in at least one complete sentence. A theme must be expressed as a generalization about life or human nature. Should explain the whole story, not just parts of it. A theme is not the same as a moral.

How to determine a Theme? Ask how the protagonist has changed during the story. Think about the story’s title or statements in the story that point to the writer’s view of the world or human nature. You will have to think about the Theme! The writer usually does not come out and say it. POSSIBLE THEMES IN THE LITTLE MERMAID??

QUIZ 1. What is our new unit going to be on? 2. What is the official term for the main character in a story who faces a problem? 3. What are the two main types of conflict? 4. What are the four parts of a plot? Draw them on a plot chart (the wave). 5. What is the difference between a theme and a topic? When you have answered these questions, write your name, period, and “Short Story Quiz Redo” on the paper and turn it in to the IN BOX.