Literature: 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

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?

Literature