1. Do Now
15 minutes of silent reading
10 minutes of vocabulary.com

2. Introduction The special effects in that movie were so cool!
Did you ever discuss a movie that you have just seen?
If so, you probably discussed some of the elements important to movies, such as characters, special effects, and plot.
The special effects in that movie were so cool!
Yeah, but it was the surprise ending that impressed me.
Who would have thought the baby would turn into a hamster!

3. Introduction
Similarly, you can take an in-depth look at a particular short story by analyzing the elements important to short stories.
Explain your thoughts and ideas about the story by writing a literary analysis.

4. Read the story actively and think about your personal response to it
Read the story actively and think about your personal response to it. As you read, answer the following questions:
How do I feel about the story?
How do I feel about the characters, events, and situations in the story?
What will happen next?
What about the story is confusing?

5. The following steps will lead you to a successful short story analysis!

6. Determine the THEME of the story.
What is the general idea or insight that the story reveals?
The SUMMARY of the story allows you to draw your insight.

7. Choose the THESIS STATEMENT of your paper.
Use the theme of the story.
Say how effectively the author uses various aspects of the story to develop that theme.

8. Analyze the POINT OF VIEW
First person
Third person
Limited Third Person
Third Person Omniscient

9. Analyze the SETTING
Does the story take place in a specified time and place?
What are the characters wearing?
What furniture, houses, methods of transportation and the like are used in the story?
Does time shift in the story?

10. Analyze the CHARACTERS
Who is the Protagonist?
Who is the Antagonist?
Flat, Round, Static, & Dynamic Characters

11. Analyze the PLOT What is the exposition? Is there any foreshadowing?
What occurs during the rising action?
Where is the moment of tension?
What happens in the climax?
What occurs in the falling action?
What is the resolution?

12. Analyze the LITERARY DEVICES (i.e. Imagery, Tone, Style, Etc.)
Look for words that appeal to the senses.
Look for similes and metaphors.
What mood is conveyed by the authors use of words?
Is there any irony in the story?

13. Examine the story for SYMBOLS
Is there any repeated symbolism?
Are those symbols connected to some larger meaning?

14. NOW WRITE YOUR ANALYSIS!
Now it should be easy to “break down” the passages.
Combine all of these steps into a well developed short story analysis!
Use direct quotes from the story as evidence to your statements.
This paper is impersonal. Avoid using “I”.

15. Literary Analysis Assignment “Dress of White Silk”
THIS IS NOT JUST A SUMMARY!!!
Should include elements presented in today’s notes
You also must discuss:
the unreliable narrator in the story. How does it make the story interesting? How does it make the story frustrating to read? Use quotes from the story to support your answer.
the ambiguity that Matheson uses in the story. What are your thoughts on all that he left out of the story for your own interpretation. Use quotes from the story to explain your answer. This is also the time to write about your take on the story. What could you infer beyond the text? What conclusions did you draw from the text?

16. Literary Analysis Assignment
The rough draft is due in class this Thursday/Friday at the beginning of the class period. I will look over them as you take your quiz on Thursday/Friday.
You will work on your lit analysis after the quiz.
Final copy is due in class on Tuesday/Wednesday, January 24th/25th.
Final copy MUST be in blue or black ink. I WILL NOT LOOK AT ESSAYS WRITTEN IN PENCIL.
Typed final copies are not required, but always appreciated and well-compensated for.
If I can’t read your essay due to illegible or ridiculously tiny handwriting, your grade will be low. To type or not to type? Choose wisely…
Final copy will be considered an essay grade worth 30% of your cycle average.