Short Story Literary Analysis

This is an essay which will analyze the author’s development of a theme or character in a short story.

Introduction The introduction must introduce the author,

the title of the story, provide a brief plot summary, state the theme of the story, and explain which literary devices the author uses to develop the theme. Do not forget that the entire essay must be written in present tense!!!!

Examples of literary devices: How does the author use the following literary devices to

develop the theme of the story? Setting Characterization (character’s actions, inner thoughts and

motivation. Is the character dynamic?) Foreshadowing Irony Point of view (who is telling the story?) Symbolism Plot (conflict, climax, resolution)

Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph must focus on one

literary device and how the author uses the device to develop the theme. For example, The conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” reveals the theme that we can not understand another’s perspective until we have experienced his perspective.

Quotes Each body paragraph must include at least

one quote and must follow proper format for integrating quotes.

(Directions for integrating quotations are below.)

Conclusion Restate your thesis in different words Tells what you’ve learned by analyzing the work What did you learn about poetry, short stories and

plays?

Details This is at least a five paragraph essay. Do not use personal pronouns or

contractions. The entire paper must be written in present

tense. You must use a minimum of three quotes.

Opinions supported by evidence, relating to: Characterization Voice Style Theme Setting Technical qualities of the writing (artistry, style, use of

language) Interpretation Complex ideas and problems Relationship of work to the time, social, historical or

political trends

Summary versus Analysis A summary re-tells a story. An analysis examines the cause or effect of an

incident in the story, compares or contrasts 2 characters, explains how an event occurred etc…

Ex: Mary had a little lamb

Summary: Mary had a little lamb. It followed her to school. No lambs were allowed in school. The children laughed.

Analysis: One reason Mary may have brought the lamb to school was to get attention. All the children “laughed and played”, making Mary feel at the center and popular.

Quote Examples

1. My Idea Mary appears to have a fetish for lamb wool

2. Quote Dr. Benton states that “ Mary’s proclivity for her

lamb makes her pet it often and bring it with her.” (Benton 22)

3. Explanation of how quote supports my idea. Mary’s constant need to touch and stroke her lamb

illustrates Mary’s obsession.

Correctly Correctly Integrating Integrating QuotationsQuotations

Every quotation should have a reference that indicates where you got it.

“I shall not see on earth a place more dear”

Author: Page: Line #:

Anytime you quote something, you need to give the author’s name and the page number the quotation can be found on.

Example- Potok 78

NO PAGE

If you are quoting poetry, use the line number instead of the page number.

Example- Homer lines 68-70

Type line or lines so readers know you are

not referring to the page number

The author’s last name and page number go after the quotation inside of parentheses. This is called the QUO-PAR-PUNC rule.

“I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137).

QUO= quotation

PAR= parentheses

PUNC= punctuation

You wouldn’t wear clothes that only cover up the front-side or the back-side of your body, so don’t leave your quotation half

naked either.

“I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137).

Odysseus speaks to Alcinous’ court about his homeland in Ithaca, recalling,

Thus, he demonstrates the Greek value of loyalty to one’s homeland.

Clothe the FrontThere are two ways to

begin a sentence that

includes a quotation.

1. Use a signal phrase.

2. Integrate the author’s words into your own writing.

Signal Phrases

A signal phrase indicates that you are about to use language that is not your

own.

Signal Phrases

If you do not show that these are not your own words it is

PLAGIARISM!

Signal Phrases

Example: Polyphemus says of Odysseus, “…..” (95).

Example 1

Revise: Odysseus shows that he is an epic hero

in the Cyclops episode, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines 500-501).

WARNINGJust adding a quotation to

the end of a related sentence does not mean

that you have used a signal phrase.

Example 1

Fixed: Odysseus reveals that he desires the

credit for his deeds, saying, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines 500-501).

Example 2

Revise: Homer shows that Odysseus is an epic

hero by saying, “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).

Example 2

Fixed: Odysseus shows his loyalty to his

homeland by forcing his men to continue on their journey. He explains, “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).

Example 3

Revise: Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops. “My name is Nohbody…” (Homer line 360).

Example 3

Fixed: Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops, declaring, “My name is Nohbody…” (Homer line 360).

Example 4Revise: “…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon”

(Homer line 650). With these words, Teiresias helps Odysseus to see that it has been his pride that has kept him from returning home, and he must admit his mistake to Poseidon in order to right the situation.

Example 4Fixed: Teiresias confirms that Odysseus’ pride has

kept him from Ithaca, commanding him, “…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon” (Homer line 650). Thus Teiresias reveals that the only way for Odysseus to reestablish right standing with the gods is to finally acknowledge Poseidon’s help in the Trojan War.

Example 5Revise: Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last

task he must accomplish before his world is set right again, “Then a seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon you/ when you are wearied out with rich old age” (Homer lines 654-656).

Example 5Fixed: Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last

task he must accomplish before a peaceful “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines 654-655).

Do Not Refer to the QuotationOther than naked quotations, the most common mistake is

referring directly to the quotation.

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Teiresias predicts the end of Odysseus’ life

in the quote: “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines 654-655).

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops, declaring, “My name is Nobody…” (Homer line 360). This quotation reveals that Odysseus uses intelligence in situations wherein strength is not an option.

For Future Reference…Quote is a verbQuotation is a noun