|
Copyright
Kelli McBride 2003-2009
Graphics
designed by Kelli McBride and are for her exclusive use.
Handouts
for college classes maybe used as per fair use practice. All other documents
on this site written by Ms. McBride are copyright protected. Please email
her for rights to use.
SHORT STORY
ANALYSIS
- Explain the title. In what way is it
suitable to the story?
- What is the predominant element in the
story - plot, theme, character, setting?
- Who is the single main character about
whom the story centers?
- What sort of conflict confronts the
leading character or characters?
- How is the conflict resolved?
- How does the author handle
characterization? By description? Conversation of the
characters? Actions of the characters? Combination of these
methods?
- Who tells the story? What point of
view is used? 1st person? Omniscient? Limited?
Third Person?
- Where does the primary action take
place?
- What is the time setting for the
action? Period of history? Season? Time of day?
- How much time does the story cover? A
few minutes? A lifetime? How long?
- How does the story get started? What
is the initial incident?
- Briefly describe the rising action of
the story.
- What is the high point, or climax, of
the story?
- Discuss the falling action or close of
the story.
- Does this story create any special
mood?
- Is this story realistic or true to
life? Explain your answers by giving examples.
- Are the events or incidents of the
plot presented in flashback or in chronological order?
- What is the general theme of the
story? What is the underlying theme? Can you name any other
stories with a similar theme?
- Did you identify with any of the
characters?
- Does this story contain any of the
following elements: symbolism; incongruity; suspense;
surprise ending; irony; satire?
- Was there a villain in the story? a
hero? a dynamic character? Etc.
- Can you find any examples of
figurative language? Simile? Metaphor? Personification?
- Does the story contain a single effect
or impression for the reader? If so, what?
- Name one major personality trait of
each leading character, and tell how the author makes the
reader conscious of this trait.
- Does the story have a moral? If not,
what do you think the purpose of the author was?
This resource sheet was found free at
www.englishresources.co.uk
© 1999, English Resources, all rights reserved |
|
|
|