Short Stories: Structure, Elements, and Analysis

Analyzing Short Stories

Commentary Structure

1. Introduction: Engage with a relevant observation about the modern world.
2. Beginning: State your opinion clearly (for or against).
3. Arguments: Present three arguments supporting or opposing the topic, using transition words like:
   • Firstly
   • Secondly
   • Further / Moreover / In addition
4. Conclusion: Provide concluding remarks.

Useful Phrases for Commentary

• Firstly, Secondly, Finally...
• In addition, Moreover...
• This brings us to the question of whether...
• To my mind, you can say that...
• The way I see it...
• I maintain that...
• Luckily / Fortunately / Unfortunately
• All the same (nevertheless)
• In spite of
• It is true that, but...

Understanding Short Stories

Key Characteristics

1. No long introduction; the reader is immediately immersed in the action.
2. Minimal detailed description of setting and characters.
3. Focuses on a decisive moment in a character's life, presented chronologically.
4. A limited number of characters.
5. Typically follows a five-part structure:
   • Introduction
   • Development
   • Climax
   • Falling action
   • Solution
6. Often uses short sentences and simple vocabulary; every word is significant.

Elements of a Short Story

1. Action and Conflict: Centers around a single event (when, where).
2. Characterization: Explores behavior, appearance, attitudes, and feelings.
3. Setting: Includes background, place, landscape, weather, and time.
4. Symbolism: Employs personal or standard symbols.
5. Style/Language: Considers sentence structure (short or complex), dialogue, irony, and word choice.
6. Theme: The inner core or central idea of the story.
7. Tone: The way something is conveyed or expressed.
8. Narration:
   • First-person
   • Third-person:
     • The author tells the story through the eyes of the main character.
     • The author tells a story they have observed (unlimited point of view).
     • The author tells the story with full background information.

Edgar Allan Poe's Composition

Three Central Elements

1. Length: The story should be short enough to be read in one sitting.
2. Method: Emphasis on intention; writing should not be solely based on free-flowing ideas.
3. Unity of Effect: The author must know the ending and the desired feeling to be created, including plot, character interactions, theme, setting, and tone.

Useful Vocabulary

• An ambiguous heading
• To arouse the reader's interest
• Flat character (minor character)
• A confusing plot
• Internal action
• To create suspense
• Climax
• An unexpected denouement (foreshadowing of the end)
• An omniscient narrator