Introduction

books walkingLesson Four - the Short Story
Duration - 1 block (1 x 80 min + homework)

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

Unit One is heavy on notes. Do not panic - the remainder of the course is not like this!! This unit is designed as a review and presentation of the bulk of the theory (notes) that you will need for this course. Please print off the notes and store them in a separate binder for easy reference as you move through ELA 10-1.

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.