Lesson 2 - The Short Story

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 2:  THE SHORT STORY (2 DAYS)

"Life is too short for a long story." - Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762), British society figure, letter writer

INTRODUCTION

A short story is a piece of prose fiction, usually under 10,000 words, which can be read at one sitting.  Artistically, a short story is intended to create an impression via character, conflict, theme, setting, symbols and point of view.  Every detail contributes to this one impression - a unity of effect.  A short story is personal, part of the author, and modern short stories are more concerned with character than action.

 RESOURCES

short story NOTES
The Short Story - Multimedia Presentation (Calgary Academy)

"The Possibility of Evil"

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Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 2:  THE SHORT STORY 

LESSON

Read and study the notes on the SHORT STORY that you have downloaded and printed.

Before you read...

"The Possibility of Evil" - Shirley Jackson

A master of the gothic horror tale, Shirley Jackson wrote psychological thrillers. Several of her novels and short stories have been produced as films or plays. The majority of her work has focused on the darker side of human nature. Before you read, try to recall a time when you had a favourable opinion of someone, only to learn that that person had betrayed your trust....

Read "The Possibility of Evil" on pages 223-228 of your anthology, Elements of English 10 (or, linked below)

"The Possibility of Evil"

ASSIGNMENT

Answer the following questions for "The Possibility of Evil". 
Be sure to include enough detail to answer all parts of the questions, and to support your answers. 

1.  Plot - tell where each of the following occurs in "The Possibility of Evil" 
        antecedent action - 
        initial incident 
        rising action 
        climax 
        falling action 
        resolution 
2.  Conflict - explain the main conflict in "The Possibility of Evil" 
3.  Setting - where and when does "The Possibility of Evil" take place 
4. Atmosphere - describe the atmosphere (mood) of "The Possibility of Evil" 
5.  Character and characterization-  Miss Strangeworth 
    -  major or minor?  explain 
    -  round or flat?  explain 
    -  static or dynamic?  explain 
    -  antagonist or protagonist?  explain 
6. Point of view - identity and explain the point of view of "The Possibility of Evil" 
7. Symbol - Choose ONE of the following symbols and explain its significance: 
    - Miss Strangeworth's name 
    - Miss Strangeworth's roses 
 8.  Theme - what is the theme of "The Possibility of Evil"?

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 2

CONCLUSION

You have reviewed various concepts and terms relating to the short story, as well as being introduced to new ones. Store your notes on the short story in the "NOTES" section of your binder for quick referral as you progress through this course.