ENG 4U
Short Story Analysis
To analyse a story in a comprehensive way, the elements of the following 3 Analysis
Task Areas must be addressed. For each area, summarize how each element works
in the story, and comment on the significance / effectiveness / impact of how it
works.
Analysis Task Areas & Elements:
1. Elements of a Story:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Narrative Perspective
Plot
Character
Setting
Theme [relationships]
Tone
Mood
2. Language Considerations:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Denotations
Connotations & Figurative Language
References
Allusions
Symbols
Imagery
Dialogue Use
Specific Vocabulary Items [list & definitions]
3. Cultural Considerations:
● Universal Human Elements
● Culturally Specific Insights & Interpretations
● Author & Period Background Information
Group Short Story Analysis Assignment:
So far, in this course, we have looked at language, life, and literature in general.
Now it is time to add an examination of the course topic of relationships. We will
do this in groups, and will use a series of short stories from different parts of the
world. While each group will analyse and present their analysis of one story, it is
expected that all students will read all four stories.
Products:
1. An oral presentation of the group’s analysis (see attached rubric)
2. A typed summary of the group’s analysis, presented in one of the following ways:
● Physical booklet form (on paper, stapled or in a duo-tang)
● Google Slides presentation (shared to Ross Thomson through Halton Cloud)
● Google Docs document (shared to Ross Thomson through Halton Cloud)
Include table of contents, pagination, & vocabulary definitions for uncommon words (see
attached rubric)
Assignment Steps:
1. An individual quiz will be used, before group work begins, as an incentive to all class
members to begin group work with all stories read.
2. Your teacher will put you into groups of appropriate size, and assign a short story
to your group. You must decide, within your group, how the analysis tasks and final
product creation tasks will be divided between members, and how time will be used.
3. You will be given in-class time for story re-reading and group analysis. It is expected that
all group members will contribute equally to the process and content; inform your teacher
if this is not happening at all times!
4. Your teacher will assign an oral presentation date and typed summary due-date; all
groups must present / submit on the same day, and all group members must be equally
involved in the presentation / booklet creation. The oral presentation should be
approximately 10 - 15 min. long, including any discussion time. Visual aids may be used
-- if available, and with pre-approval -- but are not necessary.
5. The teacher will use the attached rubrics to evaluate the oral presentation and the typed
summary. All students in the group will receive the group mark; unique circumstances
will be addressed at the teacher’s discretion.
[If you have any questions or problems as you work,
please speak to your teacher immediately.]