English 119
Andrew McSorley
Craft of Fiction Critical Essay
Throughout the course thus far we’ve been discussing various works of short
fiction. The authors we have been reading display a range of abilities and aesthetics
and the way each author individually creates a short story is markedly different. In
our discussions we have focused on certain elements of the craft of writing fiction.
For this assignment you will choose one short story from the Vintage Book of
Contemporary American Short Stories we have not previously discussed in class, and
write a 4 – 6 page essay analyzing how an author utilizes one or more of the
elements of craft we have discussed this semester.
As a reminder, these are some of the craft elements we have focused on thus
far:
 Point of View
o This refers to the point of narration in a story. We are familiar with
them, (first person “I”, second person “you”, and third person
“he/she/it”) but the way in which point of view is used by
contemporary authors varies greatly. Consider how a point of view
might establish authority or limit/enhance a reader’s understanding
of a character or scene. Why would an author choose to write a story
in one point of view and not another?
 Perspective
o This is related to point of view, but is different in that a story can have
the same point of view throughout, but switch perspective. In
Dorothy Allison’s story, “River of Names” for example, she maintains
first-person narration throughout, but the perspective through which
the story is told shifts during moments of flashback (for example,
when the narrator remembers events from childhood, the point of
view is the same, but the telling of the story has childlike qualities).
 Dialogue
o There are many possible ways to consider and discuss dialogue. Some
things you may choose to focus on are analyzing the pacing of the
dialogue, the author’s language use (i.e. – diction or slang), use of
white space, and inclusion or exclusion of dialogue tags (she said, he
exclaimed, etc.)
 Story Structure/Shape
o This can relate to Kurt Vonnegut’s shape of a story exercise, which is
an interesting way to approach analyzing the development of plot,
but it can also relate to the traditional story arc. For example, you
might consider how an author develops the premise of the story,
where/how initial conflict is introduced, where/how a climax is
achieved, and, finally, how is/are the conflict(s) resolved.
 Language Use
o Many ways to discuss this element as well. But, you may choose to
focus on an author’s use of figurative language, development of tone,
and/or any interesting diction used outside of dialogue.
 Conflict/Complications of Conflict
English 119
Andrew McSorley
o This is naturally connected to story structure, but can easily be
considered and analyzed on its own. There are almost infinite ways
an author can choose to establish, complicate, and then resolve
conflict. For example, Andre Dubus, in the story, “The Fat Girl,”
establishes conflict naturally, as conflict may arise through the course
of a person’s life. The various major events in the main character’s life
become the source of the story’s major conflicts. In contrast, Clare
Beams’ story, “We Show What We Have Learned” creates an
inorganic conflict, a conflict entirely fictional in nature in which a
teacher slowly loses her body parts in front of her students.
You may also choose to discuss an element of fictional craft we did not
explicitly discuss at length in class, such as:
-
-
Use of place/setting
Character Development
o i.e. – static vs. round characters, use of epiphany, unexpected
action, and/or quirks, habits, or flaws that make a character seem
real
Movement of narrative (through time or place)
Construction/Shift in Voice or Narration
Use of memory/flashback
Any of these would be useful to analyze and discuss in this paper. There may
be other elements of a story you find would be interesting to write about, and I
encourage you to write about any element of craft you believe is worthy of further
discussion. The important part of this assignment is that you do not simply
summarize the events of the story, but actually engage and analyze how that story
was crafted. In short, this is not a book report. Your essay should contain an
arguable thesis such as: “Stephanie Vaughn’s story ‘Dog Heaven’ contains multiple
shifts in location, and, upon closer reading, it is clear that these shifts are purposeful
and meant to disorient the reader. This disorientation enhances the reader’s ability
to empathize with a character that has no real grounding and, further, allows the
reader to accept the narrator as honest and true.” Two things occur in this thesis:
first, a story and specific element of craft are named, and a purpose for the author’s
use of that element of craft is clearly stated. Second, the use of that element is
evaluated as to whether or not it affects the reader’s engagement with the story
positively or negatively. Evidence from the story itself can then be clearly shown as
support for this thesis.
Important Dates
September 27th – Short Story/Topic for paper should be chosen by this date. A
working thesis for the paper will be submitted in class on this day, as well.
October 23rd – Papers are due in class on this date (hard copies only).