Introduction to the short Stroy, characterization, character types, point of view, literary devices

1. Elements of a Short Story The Perkiomen School ESL III Lit

2. Elements of a Short Story A short story is a work of fiction that can be read in one sitting.

4. Plot at a Glance climax falling action rising action exposition resolution

5. Exposition- gives the background of the story Rising Action- introduces complications; builds suspense Climax- the turning point of the story suspense reaches its peak

6. Falling Action and Resolution resolves the conflict usually ties up loose ends

7. What are the chain of events which mark the different points during the plot of “Blonde?” exposition- the description of the idea of a blond, the father’s stories, and the girl saying she would give it all to be blond

8. What are the chain of events which mark the different points during the plot of “Blonde?” rising action – When the talks about practicing to be blond and then tells the story about he false mother to the girl on the bus

9. What are the chain of events which mark the different points during the plot of “Blonde?” climax – being given and putting on the wig, parent’s reaction falling action – n/a

10. What are the chain of events which mark the different points during the plot of “Blonde?” resolution – author feels like she has taken something that does not belong to her (…usurper’s uneasy crown)

11. The plot of a short story centers around conflict. Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces. Complications build the reader’s excitement.

17. Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters Ed Johnson scratched his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. The old mechanic hated modern electronics, preferring the old days when all he needed was a stack of manuals and a good set of tools. “ That Ed Johnson,” said Anderson, watching the old mechanic scratch his head in confusion as the sales rep explained Dralco’s newest engine performance diagnostic computer. “He hasn’t got a clue about modern electronics. Give him a good set of tools and a stack of yellowing manuals with a carburetor needing repair, and he’d be happy as a hungry frog in a fly-field.”

18. Methods of Characterization Creating Believable Characters Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try. Julie held up six different outfits in front of the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

25. Setting= time and place -puts the reader in the story by giving the reader the feeling of being in the situation. -creates atmosphere by the positive or negative feelings associated with the place.

26. Point of View or . . . (Who’s telling this story anyway?) -the vantage point from which the story is told. -determines how much we, the readers, know about the characters.

30. What is a symbol?

32. Symbol ” American Eyes” Introduction page xvi “What they are doing is a little like pouring water on fire in order to study the ashes.”

36. Theme In literature, theme is a perception about life or human nature that the writer wants to share with the reader. In most cases, the theme is not stated directly but must be inferred.

37. Theme Themes can be revealed by - a story’s title - key phrases and statements about big ideas - the ways the characters change and the lessons they learn about life. -What is the theme of the anthology “American Eyes?”

38. The End