We analyze fiction in order to:

• enjoy the art of reading
• understand subtle meaning
• learn to form an opinion
• gain knowledge
• become a better reader

A Short Story Unit----> In depth information, video on all elements of Short Stories

To become adept at analyzing a story, long or short, the reader needs to become familiar with:

The Elements of Storymaking: structure plot setting character characterization theme point of view social and economic factors symbolism irony

Structure - the "shape" of the plot line. The way the action is organized. The structure gives the internal and external framework for each story.

• internal framework - marked by change of seasons, passage of time, yearly cycle, time of day, life cycle, changes in weather, phases of social relationships, and changes in location.
• external framework - marked by chapter divisions or sections with numbers or subtitles.

Plot -- novel structure and design. Find more info at this link - plot structure facts


If the slide show above doesn't work follow the link - http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson401/PlotStructure.pps

The following link will allow you to practice putting events into a plot line. - http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/plot-diagram/

1.What is the conflict in this story? How does the writer present the problem between the protagonist and antagonist?

2.What do you learn in the exposition or introduction of the story?

3.What events are included in the rising action of the story?

4.What is the climax of the story?

5.What events are included in the falling action of the story?

6.How is the conflict resolved?

7.How does the writer use suspense in developing the plot of this story?

Point of View -- An automobile accident occurs. Two drivers are involved. Witnesses include four sidewalk spectators, a policeman, a man with a video camera who happened to be shooting the scene, and the pilot of a helicopter that was flying overhead. Here we have nine different points of view and, most likely, nine different descriptions of the accident.
In short fiction, who tells the story and how it is told are critical issues for an author to decide. The tone and feel of the story, and even its meaning, can change radically depending on who is telling the story.
Remember, someone is always between the reader and the action of the story. That someone is telling the story from his or her own point of view. This angle of vision, the point of view from which the people, events, and details of a story are viewed, is important to consider when reading a story.

With the objective point of view, the writer tells what happens without stating more than can be inferred from the story's action and dialogue. The narrator never discloses anything about what the characters think or feel, remaining a detached observer. observer. Here the narrator does not participate in the action of the story as one of the characters, but lets us know exactly how the characters feel. We learn about the characters through this outside voice. In the first person point of view, the narrator does participate in the action of the story. When reading stories in the first person, we need to realize that what the narrator is recounting might not be the objective truth. We should question the trustworthiness of the accounting. A narrator who knows everything about all the characters is all knowing, or omniscient. A narrator whose knowledge is limited to one character, either major or minor, has a limited omniscient point of view. As you read a piece of fiction think about these things: How does the point of view affect your responses to the characters? How is your response influenced by how much the narrator knows and how objective he or she is? First person narrators are not always trustworthy. It is up to you to determine what is the truth and what is not.

Characters -- Memorable characters come alive for us while we read. They live on the page and in our hearts and minds. We cannot forget them. Yet, they are fictional; they don't really exist. Be alert to characters in the same way you are when you meet someone. Observe their actions. Listen closely to what they say and how they say it. Notice how they relate to other characters and how other characters respond to them. Look for clues as to their purpose and significance in the story.
Characters are either major or minor and either static (unchanging) or dynamic (changing). The character who dominates the story is the major character. Don't be fooled however--you might never even see the story's major character. Also, major characters do not have to be dynamic.
Readers can learn about characters in many ways, including:

Physical traits
Dialogue
Actions
Attire
Opinions
Point of view

There are no limits on the types of characters who can inhabit a story: male or female, rich or poor, young or old, prince or pauper. What is important is that the characters in a story all have the same set of emotions as the reader: happiness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, joy, and love.

Theme -- What exactly is this elusive thing called theme? The theme of a fable is its moral. The theme of a parable is its teaching. The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave. In fiction, the theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.Finding the Theme Here are some ways to uncover the theme in a story: Check out the title. Sometimes it tells you a lot about the theme. Notice repeating patterns and symbols. Sometimes these lead you to the theme. What allusions are made throughout the story? What are the details and particulars in the story? What greater meaning may they have? Remember that theme, plot, and structure are inseparable, all helping to inform and reflect back on each other. Also, be aware that a theme we determine from a story never completely explains the story. It is simply one of the elements that make up the whole.

Exposition -- orients the reader to the setting of the story (time and place) and introduces the characters.

Conflict -- the primary obstacle that prevents the protagonist (main character) from reaching his or her goal. The most common conflicts are:

Rising Action -- the complications that occur within the story, prolonging and developing the central conflict.

Climax -- the point of greatest tension in a story; the point of no return. Think of the climax as being on the top of the roller coaster in the front car, just before you begin your descent. The last point of conflict in the story.

Falling Action -- the result of the conflict is revealed in the falling action. To continue the roller coaster metaphor, the falling action would occur as you begin the descent down the hill.

Denouement -- the resolution of the story. The denouement ties up any loose ends in the story.