Short Story Literary Analysis
This is an essay which will analyze
the author’s development of a theme
or character in a short story.
Introduction
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The introduction must introduce the author,
the title of the story, provide a brief plot
summary, state the theme of the story, and
explain which literary devices the author
uses to develop the theme. Do not forget
that the entire essay must be written in
present tense!!!!
Examples of literary devices:
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How does the author use the following literary devices to
develop the theme of the story?
Setting
Characterization (character’s actions, inner thoughts and
motivation. Is the character dynamic?)
Foreshadowing
Irony
Point of view (who is telling the story?)
Symbolism
Plot (conflict, climax, resolution)
Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph must focus on one
literary device and how the author uses the
device to develop the theme. For example,
The conflict in “The Most Dangerous
Game” reveals the theme that we can not
understand another’s perspective until we
have experienced his perspective.
Quotes
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Each body paragraph must include at least
one quote and must follow proper format
for integrating quotes.
(Directions for integrating quotations are
below.)
Conclusion
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Restate your thesis in different words
Tells what you’ve learned by analyzing the work
What did you learn about poetry, short stories and
plays?
Details
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This is at least a five paragraph essay.
Do not use personal pronouns or
contractions.
The entire paper must be written in present
tense.
You must use a minimum of three quotes.
Opinions supported by evidence,
relating to:
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Characterization
Voice
Style
Theme
Setting
Technical qualities of the writing (artistry, style, use of
language)
Interpretation
Complex ideas and problems
Relationship of work to the time, social, historical or
political trends
Summary versus Analysis
A summary re-tells a story.
 An analysis examines the cause or effect of an
incident in the story, compares or contrasts 2
characters, explains how an event occurred etc…
Ex: Mary had a little lamb
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Summary: Mary had a little lamb. It followed her to
school. No lambs were allowed in school. The
children laughed.
Analysis: One reason Mary may have brought the
lamb to school was to get attention. All the children
“laughed and played”, making Mary feel at the
center and popular.
Quote Examples
My Idea
 Mary appears to have a fetish for lamb wool
2. Quote
 Dr. Benton states that “ Mary’s proclivity for her
lamb makes her pet it often and bring it with her.”
(Benton 22)
3. Explanation of how quote supports my idea.
 Mary’s constant need to touch and stroke her lamb
illustrates Mary’s obsession.
1.
Integrating
Quotations
Every quotation should have a reference
that indicates where you got it.
I shall not see on earth a place more dear”
Author:
Page:
Line #:
“
Anytime you quote something, you need to
give the author’s name and the page
number the quotation can be found on.
Example- Potok 78
NO PAGE
If you are quoting poetry, use the line
number instead of the page number.
Example- Homer lines 68-70
Type line or lines so
readers know you are
not referring to the
page number
The author’s last name and page number go after
the quotation inside of parentheses. This is
called the QUO-PAR-PUNC rule.
“I shall not see on earth a place more dear”
(Homer line 137).
QUO=
PAR=
PUNC=
quotation parentheses punctuation
You wouldn’t wear clothes that only cover
up the front-side or the back-side of your
body, so don’t leave your quotation half
naked either.
Odysseus speaks to Alcinous’ court about
his homeland in Ithaca, recalling,
“I shall not see on earth a place more
dear” (Homer line 137).
Thus, he demonstrates the Greek
value of loyalty to one’s homeland.
Clothe the Front
There are two ways to
begin a sentence that
includes a quotation.
1.
Use a signal phrase.
2.
Integrate the author’s words into your own
writing.
Signal Phrases
A signal phrase indicates that you are
about to use language that is not your
own.
Signal Phrases
If you do not show that these
are not your own words it is
PLAGIARISM!
Signal Phrases
Example:
 Polyphemus says of Odysseus, “…..” (95).
Example 1
Revise:
 Odysseus shows that he is an epic hero
in the Cyclops episode, “I would not
heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but
let my anger flare…” (Homer lines
500-501).
WARNING
Just adding a quotation to
the end of a related
sentence does not mean
that you have used a
signal phrase.
Example 1
Fixed:
 Odysseus reveals that he desires the
credit for his deeds, saying, “I would
not heed them in my glorying spirit,/
but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines
500-501).
Example 2
Revise:
 Homer shows that Odysseus is an epic
hero by saying, “I drove them, all three
wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).
Example 2
Fixed:
 Odysseus shows his loyalty to his
homeland by forcing his men to
continue on their journey. He
explains, “I drove them, all three
wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).
Example 3
Revise:
 Odysseus cleverly deceives the
Cyclops. “My name is Nohbody…”
(Homer line 360).
Example 3
Fixed:
 Odysseus cleverly deceives the
Cyclops, declaring, “My name is
Nohbody…” (Homer line 360).
Example 4
Revise:
 “…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon”
(Homer line 650). With these words,
Teiresias helps Odysseus to see that it has
been his pride that has kept him from
returning home, and he must admit his
mistake to Poseidon in order to right the
situation.
Example 4
Fixed:
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Teiresias confirms that Odysseus’ pride has
kept him from Ithaca, commanding him,
“…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon”
(Homer line 650). Thus Teiresias reveals that
the only way for Odysseus to reestablish right
standing with the gods is to finally
acknowledge Poseidon’s help in the Trojan
War.
Example 5
Revise:
 Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last
task he must accomplish before his world is
set right again, “Then a seaborne death/
soft as this hand of mist will come upon
you/ when you are wearied out with rich
old age” (Homer lines 654-656).
Example 5
Fixed:
 Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last
task he must accomplish before a peaceful
“seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist
will come upon [him]” (Homer lines 654655).
Do Not Refer to the
Quotation
Other than naked quotations,
the most common mistake is
referring directly to the
quotation.
Do Not Refer to the
Quotation
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Teiresias predicts the end of Odysseus’ life
in the quote: “seaborne death/ soft as this
hand of mist will come upon [him]”
(Homer lines 654-655).
Do Not Refer to the
Quotation
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Odysseus cleverly deceives the
Cyclops, declaring, “My name is
Nobody…” (Homer line 360). This
quotation reveals that Odysseus uses
intelligence in situations wherein
strength is not an option.
For Future Reference…
 Quote
is a verb
 Quotation is a noun