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Short Stories. M. Jones - English. 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
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Short Stories M. Jones - English
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.