Layout of the Short Story

1. Layout of the Short Story 4. • Short Story: a prose narrative that is shorter than a novel & generally describes just one event or a tightly constructed series of events. • Reading a short story: • To get to know the characters & become involved in their situations & dilemmas • Short Story writers must engage readers using the following elements: • 1. Plot • 2. Characters • 3. Point of View: who is the narrator • 4. Setting: time, place & mood • 5. Theme: main idea of the story • May contain several themes • Each reader may find different themes 5. 3. 1 & 2 6. • Exposition, or background = tone (author’s attitude toward the story) is set; setting is explained; introduces the characters; information needed to understand the plot • Conflict or problem • Rising action, or complication • Climax = decisive point when the central problem of the plot must be resolved in one way or another • Falling Action events that lead to the • Resolution… problem is solved

2. American Romanticism – 1800-1855 American Romanticism is an offshoot of the European Movement New attitude toward nature, humanity, and society Like its British counterpart American Romantics: Celebrated Individualism A respect for nature A concern with the impact of new technology An admiration of women A fascination with death and the supernatural