How to Read a Short Story Critically

Analyze the Essential Elements of the Story

1) Read the text carefully, noting each character and chain of events.

2) Identify the major character(s)--those who seem to control the action or from whose perspective the story is told.

3) Reconstruct the narrative line--"what happens."

4) Identify elements of the plot--"factors which influence the action."

5) Discuss the essential conflict.

Analyze the Structure of the Story

1) Identify the point(s) of view through which the story is told.

2) Explain how the author uses time.

3) Explain how the author uses setting.

4) Explain how the author uses perspectives (angles).

Analyze Rhetorical Elements

1) Identify the author's use of irony (dramatic, situational, verbal).

2) Identify recurring image patterns.

3) Explain the author's use of symbols.

4) Identify special uses of language like figures of speech, unusual diction and syntax.

Analyze the Meaning of the Story (Interpretation)

1) Identify what seems to be the theme (dominant message or claim) and how the author announces it.

2) Explain how elements above contribute to the theme.

3) Identify contextual elements (allusions, symbols, other devices) that point beyond the story to the author's experience/life, history, or to other writings.

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This page was last modified on February 10, 2006,
and is maintained by Dr. Geoffrey Grimes.