Short Story Review

Traditional short stories such as fables, tales, legends, myths, and wisdom literature have been passed down through generations. Most traditional short stories have characters, plots, and conflicts that create irony, suspense, and mood for the reader. Review the short story elements in the video below. Additionally, continue on in this lesson to review more about short story elements.

 

 

Plot

Remember that the plot pyramid details how the various events come together in different stages to create the story.

Let's review the Literary Element of Irony

Irony is the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. There are three types of Irony - Situational, Verbal and Dramatic. Let's examine these three types below.

Examples

Point of View

Remember that the point of view is an important part of understanding the narrator and the story as a whole. The point of view is the perspective from which a story is told, and the author chooses how a reader will see the plot unfolding by choosing a specific point of view.

Theme

Remember that the theme is the main idea, and the goal upon finishing a book or story is to recognize and possibly learn from the theme. View two examples from theme below:

Remember that the theme is the main idea, and the goal upon finishing a book or story is to recognize and possibly learn from the theme. View two examples from theme below:

Theme from A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare: 

Theme from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green:

Characterization

Indirect and Direct Characterization

Static, Dynamic, and Foil Characters

Conflict

Learn more about conflict below.

Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of one object or idea to represent another object or idea. Authors use symbolism to create depth and meaning for the reader. View some examples of symbolism from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a novel that you will most likely experience in American Literature:

Example: Characters dressing in all black might represent darkness or depression

Example: A character who always carries a book or studies might be someone who is studious and focused on school

 

Mood and Tone

Let's remember the difference between Mood and Tone:

Short Story Review - Self-Assessment

After you have reviewed the elements of a short story, practice your understanding below:

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