English 11 Short Story Unit

Mr McPherson

What is a short story?  How does it differ from a vignette? A novel?  Why do we study short stories in English?  These are common questions.  A short story is just that--a story short enough to read in one sitting.  Novels, unlike short stories, have the benefit of length which, in turn, allows for the complete development of character, plot, theme and detail.  Because of the length, short stories cannot deal with things in such depth.  Hence, often the story will begin in medias res ( a fancy Latin term that means literally 'in the middle of things').  Characters are not as completely developed and plot is usually limited to a narrow focus of events.

Regardless of the length, stories fall into two main categories:  Escapist and Interpretive.

Escapist fiction is designed to provide the reader with a temporary escape from the mundane realities of everyday life;  examples range from Sherlock Holmes mysteries to magic realism and fantasy.

Interpretive fiction requires the reader to interpret a meaning or lesson from the piece of literature.  That which is interpreted is known as the didactic element of the story.  It can sometimes be difficult to determine which category a story might belong--indeed, often a story can be both escapist and interpretive.
 

Short stories are generally classified under four main headings:

* Stories of plot--the main thrust of the story is focussed around the action
* Stories of theme--the main thrust of the story is focussed around a central theme
* Stories of character--the main thrust of the story is focussed around a character
* Stories of setting--the main thrust of the story is focussed around the setting

Along with these four dominating elements of the story are other elements you also need to understand:
* juxtaposition
* character foil
* physical structure
* comparison/contrast
* allusion
* apostrophe
* extended metaphor
* local colour
* reader bias
* emotional appeal
* conflict
These terms reflect just some of the tools a writer has at his/her disposal to cause you, the reader to buy into the story.  You may not like the story but, nonetheless you can be manipulated to become a participant.  If you are manipulated, the author has succeeded.

The focus of this unit of study will be made around the notion of "buying into the story."   You task will be to read and analyze a number of stories so as to determine how various authors use various strategies to hook you, the reader into participating in his/her story.

You will be presented with a set of notes on everything from character to point of view and beyond so that you will be able to make your own determinations as to how authors make stories work.

Along with definitions and examples for the short story elements will be a basic review of the writing process and the basics of composition structure.
 

Rationale

A major segment of the English 11 program is the study of the short story.  Not only does this study provide a variation of literary form, but also, it provides students with knowledge particular to a specific genre.  The study of short stories naturally connects to the study of novels and provides a convenient window of opportunity for teachers to present students with knowledge of literary terms and exemplify how these are utilized by writers.

In English 11, the focus is made on understanding the finer points of the short story.  Although an element of enjoyment should be built into any examination of literature, in this course, students must come away with a knowledge of how a story works.  To this end, students must be provided the opportunity to analyze critically, various elements and components of the story.  Part of this critical approach should allow for comparison, contrast, consideration and use of structure, theme, and topic.

Learning Objectives:

1. Given a variety of stories presented in a number of ways, students should be able  to explain the fundamental underpinnings of theme and structure.
2. Given a resource base of literary terms, students should be able to identify and  explain how these terms apply and are used by authors to make their stories  "work".  (SEE BELOW)
3. Given samples of critical analysis, students should be able to read a story, interpret  it and explain the techniques used by the author to get the reader to suspend  disbelief and "buy" the story.
4. Given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, students should be able to  match definition to terms associated with the study of this genre.
5. Given the proper writing format, students should be able to produce a written  analysis (critical in nature), which examines any particular story in depth.
6. Given a set of variables, students will produce a short story which reflects their  understanding of the basic elements of the story--focus will be made on dialogue.

Content Knowledge

Identify and explain these:

--character content:  types, uses
--point of view--four types, uses
--structure--plot (Freytag's Pyramid)
--expression--use of figurative language and other techniques of imagery
--theme and symbolism
--tension devices/conflict/resolution/deux et machina
--story types and uses
--vicarious experience
--nemisis/hubris/catharsis

 Tigers of the Snow is the basis for this unit.  Other stories from audio/visual media will also be used as a supplement.  A review of  English 10  short stories/components will  start the unit.  The teacher might discuss some of the stories students have read and ascertain their general understanding of the genre and associated terminology.   Students  should be able to identify the common elements germane to all studies of the story.  It would be expected that they have a limited understanding of character, plot, setting, theme and conflict.
 
 
 

Return to Mr. McPherson's Web Page