In this task, you will choose a short story. Then, select one aspect of that story and write an essay analyzing how it contributes to the meaning of the story.
Before you can analyze how an aspect of a story contributes to its meaning, you must first decide what that meaning is. Since meaning in fiction is subjective, there is no right or wrong answer. Once you have determined what the story means to you, then you can look closely at all the elements that make up the story to determine how they contribute to the meaning. Since there is more than one way to interpret most short stories, it's all about how you support your thesis.
Here are some guidelines to follow.
When choosing a short story for this activity, you should base your decision on these considerations:
- Select a story that you feel strongly about. Whether you love it or hate it, you will find it easier and more enjoyable to analyze a story you feel passionate about.
- Select a story in which you find meaning. Some people easily find meaning in a particular story while others do not. Don't select a story just because it is well-known or critically acclaimed. Select it because it has meaning to you.
- Decide if you want to choose a well-known or a more obscure text.
Decide what the meaning of the story is to you. What is the theme of the story? Is there more than one possible theme? If so, which one speaks most strongly to you?
Decide which element you want to analyze by asking yourself these questions.
- What role do plot, structure, character, setting, dialogue, conflict, symbol, irony, tone, and point of view play in building meaning in the story?
- Is there one element that you think contributes to the theme more than others?
- Is there one element that particularly interests you?
You may refer to the following resources while you work on your analysis:
- short story resources
- short story library
- elements of the short story
Upload the essay to the Graded Activities panel at the left-hand side of the screen. Be sure to submit the file for grading.