1. Unit 1: Short Stories Fiction is the form of any work that deals with information or events that are not real, but rather, imaginary and theoretical—that is, invented by the author. imaginary theoreticalauthorimaginary theoreticalauthor

2. Why do we read fiction?

3. Why do we read Fiction? 2 Main Reasons 1.Entertainment  Imaginative worlds  Hypothetical recreations of history  Mystery/ Suspense 2.Enlightenment  Enlarge our understanding of ourselves  Deepen our appreciation for life  Allow us to view others’ perspectives  We learn empathy, not just sympathy

4. 3 Stages of Critical Reading 1.Experience  What feelings did the story evoke? How can you connect personally with the story? 2.Interpretation  What is the story’s meaning? The focus is one understanding the story. 3.Evaluation  Assess the literary quality and consider the values (social, cultural, political, and moral) the story endorses or revokes.

5. Short Story 1.Short enough to be read in one sitting 2.Takes place in one location on a single day –(or even in a few hours) 3.Centers on a single line of action 4.Maintains a single mood- Every word or phrase should contribute to the theme and the mood.

6. Elements of a Short Story: Plot- The sequence of unfolding action. “What happens in the story?” Setting- Setting- The time and place of an action or narrative Symbols- Symbols- Objects which convey meaning extending beyond their literal significance Theme- the central topic of the text. Usually a Theme- the central topic of the text. Usually a view about life and how people behave. Conflict- Conflict- A struggle between opposing forces

7. Characterization   The means by which writers present and reveal characters.   Protagonist: The major character whose conflict spark’s the story’s conflict.   Antagonist: The major character in opposition to the protagonist.   Dynamic Character: Characters who exhibit change- of attitude, of purpose, of behavior- as the story progresses.   Static Character: Characters who do NOT exhibit change

8. Structure of the Short Story

9. Exposition  the start of the story, the situation before the action starts  The mood and conditions existing at the beginning of the story. The setting is identified. The main characters with their positions, circumstances and relationships to one another are established.

10. Rising Action  the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax

11. Climax/Turning Point  the turning point, the most intense moment—either mentally or in action

12. Falling Action  all of the action which follows the climax

13. Resolution  the conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads