Thursday, October 10, 2013

CHECKLIST FOR READING/ANALYSING A SHORT STORY

CHECKLIST FOR READING/ANALYSING A SHORT STORY*


Plot
  • How are the events presented in the story?
  • How is the plot developed? Does the author use a linear (chronological) pattern?
  • Is flashback one of the techniques used?
  • Do any of the early events or incidents prepare the reader for later ones?
  • Do any events or incidents lead you to anticipate the outcome?
  • What is the nature of the conflict?
  • At what point does the story climax?
  • Does the climax bring about a change in character or situation?

Character
  • What are the types of character/s present in the story? (flat, round, stereotype, stock)
  •  Are the characters believable?
  • How are the characters presented by the author?
  • What is the main character like?
  • Does the author present fully developed characters?
  • What are the conflicts that the main character faces?
  • Does this character change as a result of the events that he or she experiences in the story?
  • What is the nature of the change?
  • If there is no change, why not?

Setting
·         How important is the setting of the story?
·         Does the setting help to develop the plot? How does it do so?
·         What does the setting contribute to our understanding of the meaning of the story?
·         Does the setting have any influence on the characters?

Point of View
  • Does the point of view that is used help the author to expose the theme? If so, how?
  • To what extent is the narrator a reliable witness to events?
  • Would the choice of a different point of view change the story significantly?

Theme
  • What is the theme of the story?
  • Does the title provide a clue to what it is?
  • Is there only one theme or are there several themes?
  • Does the author suggest the theme through imagery?

Style
·         Does the author use figurative language in telling this story, or is the language literal?
·         If figurative language is used, what is the effect?
·         Does the author use dialogue to advance the action of the story? If dialect is used what is the effect?
·         What examples of figurative language are most striking in the story?
·         Why are they striking?

·         How does figurative language contribute to the meaning and theme of the story?

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