Choose a short story from Viewpoints 11 OR from Fresh Ink (see PDFs posted on Classroom) that we HAVE NOT READ as a class.
Your essay should be approx. 2 pages in length (typed, double-spaced)
Your analysis must have a thesis (topic + comment) to guide your analysis in proving the short story’s effective use of short story elements (plot, setting, characterization, narration, theme) OR use the guiding questions from the Fresh Ink Teacher’s Guide to shape your analysis of the story.
Use supporting quotes from the story to demonstrate how/where these elements appear in the story.
Comment on how elements are used in the story. How do they reinforce the story’s theme? How do they support the story’s tone or mood?
Use topic sentences to identify each paragraph’s specific topic
Use the following prompts to write a focused analysis in paragraph form:
Paragraph 1: Summarize story (5-6 sentences) then conclude your introduction with a thesis to state whether it is an effective story or not.
Paragraph 2: Plot analysis (6-8 sentences). In sentence form, identify the story’s order of Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Conclude the paragraph with a comment on the story’s choices in arrangement of events. Restate your thesis to link this paragraph to your essay’s overall comment on the short story
Paragraph 3: Characterization (6-8 sentences). Identify the 5 aspects of indirect characterization (S.T.E.A.L. – Speech, Thoughts, Effect on Others, Actions, Looks) used for the protagonist. Conclude with comments on the effectiveness of the character’s description. Restate your thesis to link this paragraph to your essay’s overall comment on the short story
Paragraph 4: Setting and Narration (5-6 sentences). Identify the details of setting (time and place) as well as the choice of narration. Comment on the use of setting and narration to conclude. Restate your thesis to link this paragraph to your essay’s overall comment on the short story
Paragraph 5: Opinion (5-6 sentences). Restate your thesis. Comment on your overall thoughts on the story including its theme (main message, idea) and your reaction to it. What did you appreciate about the story? What could be changed/added?
