elements of short stories. short story a genre of literature a brief work of fiction short story...
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Elements of Short Stories
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Short Story
• A genre of literature
• A brief work of fiction
• Short story titles should be capitalized correctly (first word, last words, & important words in the middle)
• Should be put in quotations
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Elements of Short Stories
• Characters
• Conflict
• Plot
• Setting
• Point of View
• Theme
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Characters
• People or animals in a story
• Direct Characterization– The author describes a character– Directly tells reader something about him/her
• Indirect Characterization– Author reveals the character through speech
and actions
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Conflict
• Problem(s) the characters face
• External– Struggle between a character and an outside
force
• Internal– Takes place within a character’s mind
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Plot
• The sequence of events
• Exposition
• Rising Action (introduces conflict & builds suspense, often through foreshadowing)
• Climax
• Falling Action
• Resolution
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Setting
• Time & place of the action, including– Historical period– Physical location– Season of year/time of day– Climate/weather– Culture & social systems & traditions
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Point of View
• The perspective from which a short story is told, or narrated
• Affects the kinds of information readers receive
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Point of View (POV)
• First-Person POV: the narrator is a character in the story; readers learn only what that character knows, thinks, or feels
• Third-Person POV: the narrator is not a character but a voice outside the story; may be omniscient or limited– 3rd Person Omniscient: narrator relates the
inner thoughts and feelings of all characters– 3rd Person Limited: narrator reveals the
thoughts and feelings of only one character
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POV
Example: Points of ViewFirst PersonI could hear the footsteps, but I couldn’t see a thing. Where was the light switch?
Third PersonTed heard someone approaching but in the darkness, he had no idea it was a burglar.
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Theme
• The interaction of key story elements reveals the theme of a story.
• In the best short stories, story elements interact to convey a meaningful theme, or message about life or human nature.
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Theme
• A central message or insight
• Stated themes are expressed directly.
• Implied themes are suggested by the author.
• Universal themes recur in different cultures and time periods
• Usually general statements about life (see anchor chart)
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Theme
• The theme is the lesson or message that the writer wants to get across in his or her story.
• Usually theme is a statement about life or the way the world works. People apply these lessons or ideas to their own lives.
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Theme
• Usually NOT directly stated
• It develops over the course of the story through characters, conflict, and plot.
• Readers must infer the theme by analyzing clues and thinking about how they add up to a central message.
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How do I find the theme in a story?
• To find the theme, ask yourself, • What lesson did the main character in the story
learn or fail to learn? • Other questions to ask yourself:
What is the moral of the story? What lesson is the author trying to teach? Which idea in the story can relate to everyday
life?
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Common Themes
•The more you read, the more you will notice that some themes are used again and again. Here are some common themes:Too much pride can destroy a personCrime does not payTreat others the way you want to be treatedGoing through hard times can make a person strongerLove conquers all
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Characters & Theme
• Sometimes characters actions tell us about the theme.
• Notice words, thoughts, and actions
• Characters motivations may contribute to theme.
• Dialogue (conversation) can help determine theme.
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Narrator’s Observations Theme
Dee grinned at me as she left the stage. My shy, timid friend was standing tall and proud.
A friend can help you overcome fears and develop your potential.Dialogue
“I made it!” Dee shouted to Carla in the hall. “Thanks for talking me into trying out for the play!”
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Conflict & Theme
External Conflict Possible Theme
Character vs. a force of nature
Humans should not underestimate the power of nature
Character vs. society Individuals must carve out their own paths in life.
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Conflict & Theme
Internal Conflict Possible Theme
Character vs. his or her fears
People may be stronger than they realize.
Character facing a difficult decision
People should trust their instincts.
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Plot & Theme
• Exposition & Rising Action: develop the focus of the story
• Climax (turning point): often reveals a shift that points to an underlying message
• Resolution: as the story winds down, the message, or theme, becomes clearer
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Sequence of Events
• Chronological Order- order in which events happen
• Flashback-a scene from the past (interruption in the plot to tell about something that previously happened)
• Foreshadowing-clues that hint at events to come
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P.O.V. & Theme
• The narrator’s POV is important because readers know only what the narrator knows or chooses to tell us.
• Use POV to determine theme by considering what message the narrator seems to think is important.
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Setting & Theme
• The time and place can affect everything from the characters’ motivations to the central conflict.
• Therefore, it could have a strong influence on a story’s message, or theme.
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Symbols & Theme
• Symbol-a person, place, or object that represents something else
• Ex. a dove is often a symbol for peace• Ex. the bald eagle is a symbol for America• Author’s use symbols to highlight or emphasize
key concepts.• Pay attention to objects that seem to represent
key ideas.• Understanding symbols can help you determine
a story’s theme.
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Theme
SettingHow does the
setting influence theplot & characters?
Point of View How does the narrator’s
perspective shape events?
CharacterWhat is significant about
a character’s wordsand actions?
SymbolsDo any story elements
represent ideasgreater thanthemselves?
PlotWhat message is suggested by the story’s resolution?
ConflictHow does the main
Character change asa result of the conflict?
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Close Read: Analyzing Story Elements
• Close Read: “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner
• Pg. 205-206