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Analysis of Conflict in Jhumpa Lahiri's "This Blessed House"

Darkness in the short stories of james joyce, description of an abandoned house: a short story, personal development of the main character in raymond's run, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Bridging The Gap: Comparing "Letters from My Father" and "The Writer"

The effects of class and morality in 'the boarding house' by james joyce, the connection between art and history for julian barnes, analysis of the short story 'the storm' by kate chopin, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Analysis of Anton Chekhov’s Short Story "Agafya"

Sister lilith by honorée fanonne jeffers: dismissal of patriarchal values, critical analysis of the lesson by toni cade bambara, our town by thornton wilder: the message to appreciate life, a brief history of perfume, my most embarrassing moment, "a man called horse" as transgression of the western genre, readers’ interpretation of barn burning by haruki murakami, gaze through the window: paralyses in joyce's "dubliners", feeling of imprisonment, blind devotion in james joyce’s "araby", life and death in "dubliners" by james joyce, epiphany in james joyce’s araby, already dead: the need for human interaction in butler’s "titanic victim speaks through waterbed", poe’s use of literary techniques in the tell-tale heart, main themes in kate chopin's 'the storm', the yellow wallpaper by charlotte perkins gilman: a woman’s plight, mrs. fullerton’s odd dominos of ambition, two-faced: characterization in bad haircut, analysis of setting in ‘’eveline’’ by james joyce, relevant topics.

Gothic Fiction

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You would never have noticed it if you weren’t looking for it. That was precisely the point.The instructions given in my embroidery group had been clear enough: After nightfall, take a stroll on the second lane past the bakery, look for the unlit lamppost and turn down that dark alley, they said in hushed voices, as the pianist began playing in sudden loud fervor, by coincidence. Then you will see a mossy stone staircase, which you will descend, and at the end of it there is a dim hallway. She lives through the set of green doors on the left...

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I didn’t know there could be a day too hot for planes to fly but I guess I should’ve, because lord knows it’s entirely too hot for anything else to happen. I figured I should still take the dog out but honestly as soon as I opened the door, he looked at me with these doleful eyes like, Are you kidding me? Makes sense. I was ready to crawl out of my underwear and just walk around with a creatively placed fig leaf or something, so you gotta figure it’s even worse for a furry guy. When we went back in, I dug an old t-shirt out of the ...

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“ Dear Aunt Beth ” by Sandrine Hu

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January 27, 1997 Dear Aunt Beth Thank you for giving me a dollhouse for Christmas. I love it! Mom says I need to write you a letter to say thank you. Thank you!Love your neice Hanna December 26, 1998 Dear Aunt Beth, Thank you for the chemistry set! It is really cool! I already made a volcano! It exploded everywhere and the turkey got wet! Dad was mad but mom thought it was funny! Love Hanna April 25, 1999 Dear Aunt Beth, Thank you so much for taking me to Disneyland! I had the best time ever. I specially liked the...

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Eddie was sweating. He'd been told, before putting on the suit, to drink a ton of water, so much your stomach hurts, and he bet there was an extra ten pounds of perspiration in the cheap costume fur. It certainly smelled like it, but rule one of wearing the suit: never take off the head. "That's an automatic write up," said Rob. "If you do it, and Faye finds out you subbed in without approval, you are off weekend hours, my friend. Good luck sucking up Tuesday tips." "I get it, I get it," Eddie had insisted. "I'll stay away from French revolu...

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Trigger warning: Domestic abuse, rapeThalia wipes down the pristine kitchen countertops, impatient for the game to start. She glances at the clock, then her eye catches the pile of bills on the table. The radio blares pre-match commentary filled with praise for the footballers. She turns down the volume so it won’t wake little Gabbi. She takes a seat at the kitchen table with a sigh. Another hard shift at the hospital is behind her, but it was always worth it in the end. Today, an elderly woman hugged her and gave her a peppermint. “As ...

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I don’t really know how to tell this story. For a start, there are some logistical difficulties – I’ll get to those later – but even without those, I don’t know how to explain it all. I guess I’ll start when we saw each other at the club after four years apart. That night, my head was pounding with noise and my heart was burning with hurt, and I’d come to the club alone – a stupid move for a girl, some part of me still said, though I hadn’t looked like a girl in public for over a year. I threw myself into the sweaty, rainbow-hued crowd prepa...

“ One thousand and three wishes ” by Maria Adamkiewicz

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My eyes felt like galaxies—holding the swirling glow of countless memories—as I took in our childhood home. Its siding looked like remnants of driftwood after a bonfire. I swore I smelled the smoky char of pine creep into my nostrils. It’s wild how the past stays with you like that. It can feel more visceral and real than the tangible things right in front of you. “Jesus, it feels like just yesterday.” I placed a trembling hand over my heart, struggling to steady my breath.My brother, Perry, pulled me into a tight embrace, his strength ...

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Dad did not like summer. “A little respiratory problem,” I overheard him tell the neighbour on one side of our house, but that was not why; I could hear the regular sigh of his breath when we watched TV together. “A minor circulatory thing,” I overheard him tell the other neighbour, but that was also not why because I could hear the steady ba-dump of his heart when I put my ear on his swollen belly. He just did not like the heat, I decided, like he did not like Coke but I did. The afternoon heat would drive us to the depths of the old stone ...

“ The World’s on Fire ” by Dena Linn

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“ Paradise Lost ” by Honey Homecroft

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Calls for help came every day, in every language spoken from Alpha Centauri to Xanoid 10. Meteor. Famine. War!!! Help us, they pleaded. Whoever they was in that particular society that had figured out how to contact us. “Please remain calm,” I used to say. “A unit will be dispatched to your location.” But after our people went Silent, the calls went more like this: “Hello? We need help.” “We're sorry, but Planetary Assistance is no longer available. Our thoughts are with you during your pending apocalypse. Goodbye.” “Wait —” And I woul...

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Do not ever step foot on the ground. Charlie had been told this his entire life, but it never really sunk in. He didn’t understand the deep-seated fear everyone else seemed to harbor. He thought it was incredible, a beautiful problem to be solved. Until he was laying on the floor of the lab staring at the ceiling and blinking away tears. The first time Charlie ever saw the ground consume a person he’d been twelve. What the tree-top teachers referred to as “live mummification” was a quick, disturbing process. Dirt crawling over skin to creat...

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Uncle Abe and Uncle Will haven’t played cards together in years. If you want to get real technical about it, Uncle Abe and Uncle Will haven’t even shared the same room in years, but that ain’t news to anyone east of Livernois. By now, the entire city of Detroit knows about Abraham and William Haddad—at least those who regularly stop into the family party store for their weekly supply of meats, spirits, and fresh-baked pita. It’s old news. Two bitter brothers broken up over a girl who left town anyway. It’s been ages and the aunties need fres...

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Many people don't believe that everything is connected. It's strange. They believe in magnets, in electromagnetic waves, in quantum action at a distance. They believe that the force of gravity makes the Earth revolve around the Sun, and yet they do not believe that the same forces can influence the smaller details of our fate. They believe that it is all up to them. That they have free will. They say that Jupiter can gently pull the Sun, yet it cannot move our infinitely smaller souls.A paradox.The stars are difficult to read, for sure. The ...

“ The Party ” by Kerriann Murray

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My phone buzzed. I rolled over to look at the text my cousin Maya had just sent. Can you send photo you took of all the girls in costume last night? xoxo My head was throbbing. Hanging out with Maya was fun, but she was eight years younger than me and she and her friends loved to do shots. I needed to stick with beer only if I didn’t want the hangover. That’s what I'd do next time. I opened my photos app to find the picture Maya had requested. It was a group shot I had no memory of taking. It wasn’t everyone who’d been at the party - just th...

“ Ke Kulanakauhale ma ke Kai, or The City by The Sea ” by Thomas Iannucci

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Ke Kulanakauhale ma ke Kaior,The City by the Seaby thomas iannucci Author’s Note: In this story I use Hawaiian words, as the story is set in a post-apocalyptic Hawaii. However, I do not italicize them, as I am from Hawaii, and so these words are not foreign to me. Growing up there were many English words unfamiliar to us in school, and they were never italicized; I would like this same standard to be applied to Hawaiian, which is, for better or for worse, also now a language in the United States. Mahalo for your kokua. “The city by the sea,...

“ Do Not Touch ” by Niamh O'Dea

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Jen lived by the unwritten rules of being single but wanting a child. Don’t look at children. Don’t engage with children. Don’t talk about children. Don’t let other people talk about their children. And don’t, for the love of all that is holy, tell anyone you long for a child. A nearby suitor could be eyeing you up, biting their bottom lip at the sight of your untoned bum, lusting after your wide midriff, admiring your conical legs. They could be subconsciously sliding you through their mental mold of their dream woman, seeing you slot in j...

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…in…in this room…cursed room…loved?... cursed…. where she slept…half-grown in her hometown t-shirt…shorts…no shorts…t-shirt worn with holes…on the floor…he having thrown it…under the bed…dust collected and swept and settled again…. and again…who?... he… not she?...gracious!...there for the first time…assuredly last time…no boys in the room, father said…keep out!...nodded her head… but in the room…blue light hugging the window…scotch tape…peeling off the paint whether chipped or freshly laid or…exhumed…he found her in the— no, not found…held…...

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On my last shift as a lighthouse keeper, I climbed the seventy-six spiral iron stairs and two ladders to the watch room, the number of steps the same as my age. The thwomp and snare of each step laid an ominous background score. Something wasn’t right. At that very moment, Richie Tedesco was pointing a fire extinguisher at the burning electrical panel in the engine room of his boat a few miles offshore.The placard in the watch room read “Marge Mabrity, Lightkeeper—First lighted the depths on March 2nd, 1985, and hasn’t missed a night.” Alrea...

“ Metonymia ” by Gem Cassia

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“God is dead.” “Which one?” “I meant it as more of a blanket statement, but if we’re getting into specifics, I guess I mean the one that I killed.” [When | the | god | of | cause-and-effect | is | slaughtered | in | cold | blood | everyone | knows | who | to | blame.]“People aren’t too pleased about that, you know.” “I’ve heard.”[Everyone | has | heard.]<...

“ Five Turns of the Hourglass ” by Weronika L

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I tow my dead father with me to the scorched heart of a desert. His body guilts down my shoulders, heavier each time he doesn't tell me that I took the wrong turn, that I need to straighten my elbows, that I never do anything the right way so why does he even bother. My jeep sputters and chokes under our weight as it brings us to the parking lot in front of the hotel. Vipassana, reads the sign above the glass door, melted open at the hinges. The Silent Retreat. Heat slaps me across the face. I backpack my father around my waist and march to ...

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Short Stories from Reedsy Prompts

Short stories may be small, but they are mighty! With the weight of a novel stripped away, great short stories strike directly at the heart of their topics. Often maligned as the novel’s poor cousin, the short story medium has produced some of the most beloved works of fiction. From the eerily-accurate predictions of Ray Bradbury to the spine-chilling thrills of Stephen King and the wildly imaginative worlds of N.K. Jemison, some of the best authors in the business have made their mark writing short stories .

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Free Short Story Essay Examples and Topics

The term, short story essay , is a combination of the two genres, “short story” and “essay.” Short stories are meant to be an engaging experience for the audience. The author should tell a compelling narrative in order to captivate their audience. There are many different ways in which you can write this type of essay including: brainstorming ideas, researching your topic, outlining your plot points, making notes about important details that need to be included in your story, writing out dialogue between characters or describing scenes where major events occurred. This article will discuss how you can write a short story essay with examples from other students’ work.

How to write a short story essay

Writing a short story requires the writer to work with many aspects of fiction writing. A person must have imagination, creativity and discipline.

Short story essay vary in length such as:

3-5 paragraph short story essay
2 Page Short story essay (500-600 words)
3 page short story essay (750-900 Words
5 Page short story essay (1250-1500 Words)

To guide you in your efforts here are six (6) steps to follow when writing a short story essay:

Start with an idea

Every good piece of writing starts with an idea, so start by considering what sort of idea you would like to write about. Try brainstorming some ideas that are personal or unique to you. Once you decide on your subject it is time to develop it into a full blown concept for your short story.

Build the characters

Next consider who will be involved in your story and what roles they play in the narrative. The best stories are those which have strong, dynamic characters. Characters which the readers can relate to and empathise with. Think of your characters as people, real or imagined, who have a certain type of personality which affects how they behave in different situations. In this way you can inspire your readers to have a better understanding about themselves and their own personality traits.

Incorporate descriptive details

The setting is an important element in any story so be sure that it is properly described. Do not just tell us that a character woke up early one morning but describe the feeling of waking up on a cold winter morning when the sun has not risen yet and everything is silent except for the birds chirping outside our window. All those senses are engaged by those few simple words “silent except for the birds chirping outside our window”.

Keep a record of ideas and inspirations

A writer needs to be open to inspiration in order to create a good story. If you find an interesting object or spot, make sure that you take note of it because this could later provide you with motivation when writing your short story essay. For example, if while taking a walk in the park you see two people looking at each other from across a gap between the trees, these characters may serve as an inspiration for your short story.

Create momentum

The best stories are action-packed so try and incorporate actions into your narrative. The best way to do this is by giving your protagonist(s) problems to solve or tasks to achieve, then making it increasingly difficult for them to do so. This will provoke conflict and tension which is what keeps your readers interested in the story.

The conclusion

The conclusion of the short story must provide conclusions about your characters, their actions and conclusions about life in general. You can leave some thoughts with your readers by adding an element of mystery, something that makes them think back on the entire narrative. A “what if” statement can be useful here: “ What if my grandmother had seen him across the park? Would she have run after him?” These are the kind of questions that arise in our minds when reading a good short story essay.

Comparison Essay on Two (2) Short Stories

Comparison essay is an essential part of academic writing. A fair amount of comparison essay is that it requires students to read two texts, identify similarities and differences between them, create a thesis statement on which are the main differences, back it up with evidence from both stories/texts/books etc., arrange all points in clear paragraphs, learn how to write a conclusion paragraph where you summarize all your ideas again so that the reader will have no difficulty understanding your point even after several days have passed since reading your text.

When teachers require students to write comparison essays on two short stories they give specific instructions on what topics to choose for discussion with their examples, but most often these examples are not enough for students who do not know what exactly should be discussed in their texts.

If you are writing a comparison essay on two short stories, there is no point of discussing different topics as it is not possible within such a paper. The same ideas should be written over and over again but from different perspectives. If you think “I don’t want to write the same thing again and again” you are wrong because that’s the only way to show how similar or different two texts are.

If your teacher wants you to compare/contrast two short stories, he/she expects you to follow certain rules. Here are a few steps you can follow to get better at writing short stories.

Steps to Follow when Writing a Comparison Essay:

You need to start with a thesis statement which clearly shows what main elements of the texts are being compared and what the focus of your essay is going on about.
The next paragraphs should be dedicated to comparison of point by point, so there should be several sentences devoted one by one to describe similarities and differences between stories under discussion; please make sure that these points or facts don’t seem too obvious for your reader as they already know them
Make sure you use correct examples from both texts for comparison so that they are really alike in their right perspective
Your paragraphs should be organized according to how important certain elements are. You can’t write all your ideas in one paragraph unless the point is very small and unimportant.
Another tip on ordering of sentences in your essay: if two points are similar, they should be written in one sentence; if they differ, then you need to divide them into several sentences.
There has to be a clear structure in every paper you write even if it’s just a comparison essay on two short stories! This means correct organization of thoughts with the help of topic sentences (which show what will be discussed next). Point of view should also be clear and easy to understand for the reader.
Do not forget to write a conclusion paragraph where you summarize your main ideas again using different words, phrases or sentences than those that were used in your essay; this will emphasize their importance.
You need to read your paper several times checking all kinds of errors (grammar/punctuation/spelling etc.) as even one mistake can ruin your final grade!

How do you Cite (address) a short story in an essay?

When citing or referencing a short story in an essay or other written work, you must include all relevant information about the author and title of the story as well as identifying any additional information specific to your usage. Whether you’re creating an MLA , APA, Chicago/abian or any other type of formatting style, it’s important that your short story citation matches the format and standards outlined in your assignment.

The Basics: Author and Title of Story

As with any work you’re citing, the title and author of the story must be included in your reference entry. The title should include all words from the original publication; for example, if there were quotation marks around the title when originally published, then they should remain on any references. Similarly, underline or italicize titles just as they appeared on a book or magazine cover or publication you found them in.

Cite a short story by its full name along with an abbreviation for state/city/publication information if included at all. If more than one author is listed, use the word “and” between their names as you would for any other citation. If a publication is included, include publisher name and year of publication in parentheses immediately following the title.

When you are finished, your entry should have the author’s last name followed by any relevant title information in italics before the full-stop. Following this should be the city, state abbreviation and publisher of where the short story was originally published. All publication information goes after a forward slash – reference books will often include page numbers for you to use as well.

For Example:

Chavez, Jennifer L., and Monica R. Hand. “The Baby Pharma Industry—Exploiting Expectant Mothers.” Mothering 43 (1999): 38+. ProQuest Central. Web. 15 July 2015 <Link>.

Crowley, Dennis J., et al. “Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm among Young Soldiers.” Military Medicine 158 (1983): 363-67. ProQuest Central. Web. 15 July 2015 <Link>.

These examples are both in MLA format; however, remember that you should never copy and paste your information directly from a document as it is very easy for another person to steal the information and pretend as though they were the original author. Instead, use these examples as a guide to create your own short story citation in whatever format you choose.

Additional Information: Paraphrase or Quote

If you’re directly quoting from a short story under fair-use policy (refer to your assignment on this) then be sure that first and foremost quote marks are properly placed around any text that was originally said by another individual.

Include parenthetical documentation after any quoted text specifying which page number the quotation can be found on if applicable; if not included, place quotations directly after the author’s name without parentheses. If paraphrased words or ideas from a short story are included in your work, simply include a reference entry at the end before works cited.

Short Story Essay Topics and Prompts

Writing a short story essay is a complex task. Readers’ thoughts and ideas are influenced by the words that writers use in their stories. This makes it difficult to write an original, unique opinion about a topic from which many people have written before.

However, there are still some topics that every good writer should consider when writing a literary analysis of a short story- no matter how boring or insignificant they may seem at first glance.

Most of shorty story writing prompts revolve around the following subjects:

The Beginning of the Story
The ending of the story
Character Analysis
Point Of View [POV]/ Tense
Style/ Literary devices used
Setting/ Theme/ Mood Themes within the Story / Writer’s Intentions Annotated Texts [using quotes from the story]

The Beginning of a Story

One of the most important elements of a short story is its hook . “A good storyteller has to have something that will entice his audience from the very beginning.” [1] In other words, he must be able to capture and keep their attention, and make them want to read on and find out what happens next. Therefore, choosing an interesting topic to write about in regards to a story’s beginning can be quite difficult. Nevertheless, there are several topics that students should consider when writing their literary analysis essay:
How did the protagonist get into his current situation? (ex: How did Emma ever end up with such awful parents?) Why does the protagonist feel like things need to change? (ex: Why does Emma feel like she can’t continue living with her awful parents?) What happens that makes the protagonist realize/realize that things need to change?
What are some possible obstacles that must be faced before the protagonist reaches his goal? What other problems might he encounter along the way? How does the protagonist overcome these difficulties and solve his problem(s)?
How does the first paragraph of a story set up its theme or mood? Does it give you any clues as to what might happen next? How does it prepare you for what is to come in this particular story?
Are there any foreshadowing techniques used in the beginning of this story that make you think about how things will end or affect your interpretation of the story’s events?

The Ending of a Story

In general, the ending of a short story is what gives meaning to everything that came before it. If the beginning hooked readers in, then the end must leave them satisfied and fulfilled. In addition to discussing how well or badly a story ends, students might consider writing about some of these possible topics:
How does the ending reinforce what was already said/written about in this particular piece? What connections can you make between certain parts of this work and its conclusion? How do they fit together?
What kind of final impression did this work leave on you- either positive or negative?
Was the ending realistic? Why or why not?
Was the ending “happy” or “sad”? What evidence does the writer give to support this claim?
Do you agree with how things ended up, and would you have made a different choice if you had been in charge of writing the conclusion to this particular story?
What types of events led up to the final moment of resolution/clarity within this piece? Does it make sense that these specific scenarios unfolded as they did, given what you know about each character’s personality and background from earlier parts of the text? In other words, were any coincidences too convenient for your liking, or do certain events seem far-fetched based on their context within story as a whole? How would you have ended this story if you were the writer?
What impact does the ending have on your overall impressions of the work as a whole? What type of final impression did this story leave with you- positive or negative?

Character Analysis/Development

What is the main differences between the two characters in the shorty story “A cup of tea”
One common topic for short story essays is to consider how well or badly a character has been developed. Depending on what kind of feedback students are looking for, some quick questions they might ask themselves include:
How important was it for this particular character to be convincing and realistic within this setting? Were they interesting enough to carry the story forward by themselves, even if the same events had played out altogether differently? How convincing were they in light of their own history (and everything that led up to the point in which the story took place)?
Are any of these characters based on real people? If so, how does this influence your interpretation of the character’s actions and motivations throughout the story? For example, some critics have claimed that several aspects of “Catcher in the Rye” are autobiographical. In what ways is Holden similar to Salinger himself? In what ways do you think he differs from his creator?
How did the author go about developing their backstory? How might this help us better understand why they behave as they do in certain situations within this particular short story or novel? Are there any details that didn’t seem important enough to include, but which could have helped us better understand the character as a whole?
How does this person change or learn from the events that occur throughout the course of this narrative (if at all)? How would you describe their reactions to various circumstances- particularly those which might elicit surprise, anger, confusion, and/or fear within you as a reader? Is there anything about these changes in behavior that makes them believable and realistic to you?
What types of details characterize this character’s actions and feelings throughout the work- either directly or indirectly? How well do these match up with your impressions of who they were “supposed” to be based on what was already revealed about them earlier on in the story? Does seeing this specific event change your views about how they might act in the future? Why or why not?
How would you describe this character’s personality, based on what little we know about them in comparison to the other characters in this work? Are there any significantly different aspects of their backstory which make them stand out compared to others within the same setting (in terms of physical description, socioeconomic status, age-related issues, etc.)? How do these differences influence your interpretation of their behavior throughout the course of this short story or novel?
What types of evidence does the writer use to develop this person beyond stereotypes and assumptions that might be obvious at first glance? For example, if one reads “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, much can already be inferred about each character based on their age and physical appearance alone. That said, how well do we get to know the characters as a whole? And in what ways might this understanding of them change depending on whether you read the short story or novel version (or both)?
How effectively does the setting contribute to your interpretation of this character’s actions and motivations? Do they seem out-of-place within their own world, or is every detail just right given their role in this narrative? Does knowing more about their backstory influence your overall reading experience, positively or negatively?

Attitudes/Opinions

Another common topic for short stories relates to a writer’s point of view about certain issues. For example:

Do you agree with the author’s opinions on the following subjects? Why or why not?
How did you identify with this character’s attitudes and opinions throughout the narrative, if at all? Were there certain situations in which their views seemed to change for better or worse? If so, what were some of the factors that influenced these changes within them (i.e., other characters, settings, etc.)?
Did anything about this person’s behavior irritate you throughout the course of the short story or novel (for example: self-righteousness)? At times, do you think they might have been right when others around them disagreed with them on specific points? Or was it more likely that others held a stronger grasp on reality than they did? What type of information is revealed within the plot to convince you that this character was right in what they said/did, if at all?
What kinds of details support their points-of-view throughout the course of this narrative? Are there any decisions or actions which seemed out-of-character based on your understanding of their personality and personal history? How do these incongruences make you feel about them as a whole (positively or negatively)?
How much did their views tend to change throughout the work, especially when it came to issues that were particularly relevant for them personally? For example, take a look at “Miss Brill” by Katherine Mansfield. In the beginning, Miss Brill is seen engaging in her usual pastime while eventually coming to realize how little she appears to have in common with the people surrounding her. But do their opinions really matter when it comes to how she perceives herself? How would you describe this character’s personality, based on what little we know about them in comparison to the other characters in this work? Are there any significantly different aspects of their backstory which make them stand out compared to others within the same setting (in terms of physical description, socioeconomic status , age-related issues, etc.)? How do these differences influence your interpretation of their behavior throughout the course of this short story or novel?
Can they be seen as a universal archetype for people living within a specific era, place, or situation? What kinds of details support this interpretation throughout the course of the narrative? Do any events stand out as being particularly significant within this setting, even if they only lasted briefly? How does this information change your view of them as a human being compared to those around them who are influenced by similar factors but end up reacting in different ways?
Which characters do you see as having the most in common with this person, and might there be any significant moral implications for these similarities? Do you feel that their opinions are justified on issues where people of their age, gender, social standing, etc., might not have had equal rights or access to certain types of information? How would their lives have been different if they’d taken a more proactive approach to topics concerning politics, race relations by other groups, etc.?
What is your opinion about the treatment of women within the setting(s) explored throughout this piece? Is there anything which author seems particularly critical about how women are expected to behave or interact with others who present themselves as being progressive on certain issues (i.e. feminism or gender equality)? Is this treatment applied to all women, regardless of their background in comparison to the majority of people within this specific time period?
How much can you understand about them based on either your personal experiences with these topics or what you’ve learned about people who shared similar views during historical or current events? Do any characters stand out as being significantly more open-minded when it comes to certain issues which are often seen as controversial even today (i.e. LGBT rights, premarital sex, etc.)? How would they have responded if they were exposed to someone who held beliefs that were at odds with their own values and sense of self-identity?
What major decisions did they make throughout their life that made an impact on other people, or even this person themselves? What kind of changes can be traced back to these events and what evidence is there that they would not have occurred if it hadn’t been for the influence of the protagonist(s)? How does this information supplement your understanding of their personality and general character arc? What do you think might’ve happened if they’d made a different choice at any point in time (even one which seems like an insignificant detail when read from a modern perspective)?
Does their personal philosophy differ significantly from those around them based on the context provided by the narrative? Is there anything about this character’s way of thinking which stands out as being particularly unusual within such a setting, even if only lasts briefly (such as during a specific scene or chapter)? What can be inferred about this person’s personal values, even if they only make a brief appearance in the story? Are they significantly different from those around them, and if so is that difference justified by events within the story?
In what ways does the style of narration change throughout the course of this piece? In what ways might it have influenced how you perceive certain details as being more relevant than others, especially when compared to other genres or works of fiction which rely on a similar technique to tell their stories? How significant do you consider each character’s perspectives to be within this narrative and why were certain events described from a particular viewpoint instead of generalizing it based on who was taking part in these scenes?
What types of emotions does this work evoke in the reader and why do you think they were emphasized so strongly? Do these techniques contribute to how we perceive each character’s internal thought process throughout their interactions with others, or how we understand their position within the group as a whole? How might different choices have been made if you assume that other types of emotional reactions were minimized or excluded entirely?
Many people would consider this book to be one of the most significant pieces of literature ever published, for both its historical value and what it helped to inspire during periods such as the Harlem Renaissance. However, not everyone will agree about whether it should be categorized as fine art because of its purposeful ambiguity concerning certain details (such as which characters are meant to represent real-life historical figures and whether or not they were actually based on specific individuals). How might the overall tone of the story change if you assume that all of its characters, events, etc. are meant to be understood as being factual? Would it still have made just as much of an impact if it’d been written in a more straightforward manner instead of using symbols and techniques which don’t need to be deciphered in order for the narrative to be coherent?
What kinds of conclusions can you make about this collection once you’ve reached the end? Have any major revelations been presented within its pages which will have a significant impact on how you interpret each individual piece afterwards? Were these details revealed gradually throughout the work instead of being clustered at the conclusion where they could provide a better sense of closure?
Why is it significant that the author chose to include such a wide range of topics within this anthology, and how does each contribute to the story as a whole? Do certain emotions or themes become more strongly emphasized depending on which specific piece you’re reading and why do you think these elements remain consistent with earlier selections in terms of tone and style? How would your response to each individual story differ if they were written by multiple authors instead of just one person (and if so, how might this affect your overall appreciation for both the texts and narrative progression)?
In what ways is this text intended to be interpreted from an allegorical perspective? What types of events are meant to symbolize other conflicts taking place at the same time, and are their meanings meant to be understood in literal terms or within the broader context of the story as a whole? How might this information change your perception of various characters’ roles within each scene, especially if you assume that they are meant to represent something else entirely outside of what’s explicitly stated?
What elements about this piece make it effective at portraying its theme in particular ways? Are there any sequences which could have been used more effectively to demonstrate these ideas instead of just hinting them without enough elaboration? Could specific techniques have been employed in order to avoid making certain moments feel either too forced or underwhelming compared to other parts which successfully convey similar themes?

Style/ Literary Devices Used:

How does the author’s style contribute to the story’s overall tone and atmosphere? Is this choice of writing consistent throughout or does it change at any point, and if so, does this have a significant impact on how you perceive each character’s personality? Do you notice any elements which could be considered postmodern in nature (such as nonlinear plot structure and self-reflexivity)? What types of messages do these convey about the work itself and what might they imply about its focus when compared with similar texts? Are there certain techniques used multiple times throughout which help strengthen this connection between events we’ve seen before and things yet to come?
Does the text include any specific commentary on human nature, especially when contrasting different characters’ actions against one another? Are there certain moments when the environment or backstory are more significant than which of the people inhabiting it, and if so, what kinds of emotional responses can you expect to experience while reading these scenes? Is the narrative ever intended to be confusing in any way (in terms of its structure or by presenting symbolism within otherwise normal circumstances)?
How would this short story’s tone change if you assumed that all of its characters are meant to be understood as being factual? Would it still have made just as much of an impact if it’d been written in a more straightforward manner instead of using symbols and techniques which don’t need to be deciphered in order for the narrative to be coherent?
What kinds of conclusions can you make about this collection of stories as a whole? Is there any specific common element between each piece (in terms of genre, time period, setting, etc.)? How would they vary if they had been written by someone who isn’t the same person who created this compilation and how might it change your overall appreciation for both the text and its author?
Why is this anthology classified as science fiction in particular and what needs to be included in order for an individual story to fit within that category? Are there elements about it which could put off some readers from making certain connections or having certain reactions when reading it? What makes this selection different compared to similar texts with extremely similar content (such as “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury) and why didn’t you find those as appealing?
How do the changes in tone and atmosphere presented within the stories affect your overall impression of each one? For instance, if a darker piece were to follow a more whimsical story about an otherwise innocent protagonist, would this have a negative impact on your interpretation of how the characters within that first work had been portrayed by the author? What about vice versa – would lighter stories be more enjoyable if they came after something which had been intended for mature audiences only due to its dark nature and violence toward its characters?
What makes these particular pieces especially effective at portraying their themes without feeling excessively preachy or forced down your throat from beginning to end? How do the different emotions evoked by each entry help create a balance between enjoyment and genuine appreciation for the text itself? Does this collection ever take on any unexpected levels of depth or does it present everything in-between its covers clearly and concisely, while still making you think about them for hours after finishing each one?
Did the stories presented within “The Illustrated Man” have a noticeable impact on other works released near the same time period (such as The Twilight Zone television episode “The Long Morrow”) or can you identify elements which were likely to have been directly influence by Bradbury’s work instead (such as Superman)? Do any aspects of this anthology help to date it compared with similar books from around that era and would it be more or less enjoyable depending on your familiarity with 20th Century culture?
Are there specific characters who are common to more than one story in the anthology? What are the circumstances surrounding their first appearance and what makes them stand out among Bradbury’s other characters which weren’t featured as frequently throughout this book? Is there any difference between how these central individuals appear within each separate narrative or do they seem like copies of each other without any significant differences, no matter where you encounter them?
How would your perspective on “The Illustrated Man” change if it was labeled as horror instead of science fiction? Would that have an impact on its appeal or general tone depending on who you are or how familiar you are with either genre? What about its overall structure – is it ever meant to be read linearly from beginning through end, or should people skip around whenever they feel like doing so?
What makes the writing style in particular stand out compared to other entries you’ve read throughout your life? Does it ever seem too wordy or overly complicated even when the subject matter is complex to begin with? Do any elements of Bradbury’s prose help you become more invested in what he has presented as a result and do any changes present between each piece come across as improvements instead of hindrances?
Do any aspects of this book still surprise you after having read it multiple times already, whether due to its length or content itself? Is there anything which was likely going through your head while reading certain parts which you never expected to find at all beforehand – including things related directly the plot and characters themselves as well as small details which you wouldn’t normally think to be included for certain reasons?
If the stories within “The Illustrated Man” were to be adapted into a movie, would they fit in with modern tastes and expectations or would it feel like something from the past which belonged at its time of creation? Is there anything about this book which could easily be updated with special effects such as space travel and other such technologies, while leaving everything else exactly the same no matter how many decades pass by during your lifetime?
Would any of the stories be more effective if they were read out loud instead of silently flipping between pages throughout an average-sized book? Do you think Bradbury ever intended for anything written here to be presented outside of its original medium to begin with, by either recording each story in an audio format or branching the film rights out into separate spin-offs?

Setting/ Theme/ Mood within the Story / Writer’s Intentions

What are some of the different elements that have been included in order to create a specific tone/ mood throughout this piece? Which of these are most significant and why? How do all of these contribute toward establishing an overall theme for the entire text as well as its individual components?
Why are all of these characters behaving differently than usual, or why are they engaging with one another in ways which seemed unlikely during the first few chapters? Are there any clues (either subtle or obvious) which can be used to accurately infer what happened or why it has led to their current situation?
What are the main differences between how each character sees themselves, and how do other people in their life see them instead? How might their perception of reality change over time if they’re able to be more objective about these observations?
Given the setting of the story, have any assumptions you’d previously made about certain characters been proven wrong by this point in the narrative? Why does the author choose to include so many different perspectives when telling this particular story, and is there any reason behind presenting multiple perspectives that don’t necessarily agree with one another whenever possible ?
Is this piece written from anyone’s perspective but that of an outsider? Is there any specific reason why the author would choose to follow a more detached approach to their storytelling, or does this fact help establish an overall theme of alienation that remains consistent throughout the entire text?
What are some of the various points of view which have been included in this story, and how do their individual viewpoints differ from one another? Does anyone receive special treatment within its pages, or is everyone represented as being flawed at best/ reprehensible at worst ?
How does conflict affect the progression of events during each scene? Can you identify certain moments where it might have been able to be diffused before longtime rivalries become irreconcilable grievances, or are these violent exchanges apparently inevitable despite certain characters’ efforts toward reconciliation?
How do the actions of one character affect another’s choices within this piece, and vice versa? What is the overall significance of their relationship with one another, and does it remain consistent during each scene or evolve into something different over time?
Why does the author choose to include certain dialogue exchanges (and more importantly, details regarding how these individuals behave in private)? What are some of the various aspects which make up a person’s personality, and why would an author attempt to capture these idiosyncrasies on paper?
To what extent is the setting an integral part of this story; why does the author choose to set it at this specific place/ time instead of another location/ era? Does it help establish an overall theme of nostalgia, regret, or instead a false sense of security?
How does the setting help enhance the events and moods which take place during this piece (in other words, can you identify certain environmental factors which make it easier for these individuals to become more accepting of one another after an extended amount of time)? Are any of these moments seemingly insignificant; perhaps explained away as part of everyday life- such as enjoying a cup of coffee on the front porch- why might they be included in spite of seeming like ordinary activities?
How do all of these texts seem to relate with one another? Why is there so much emphasis placed upon family ties and their role within society as a whole during each work? What larger message might the author be trying to convey by incorporating these similarities into each story?
Which aspect of family has been most emphasized within this text (is it biological relationships, or is it the connection between friends?)? What does this particular theme indicate about how people are supposed to relate with one another throughout their lives, and why would an author choose to give so much prominence to any specific element within their work of fiction ?
If you were able to narrate this piece (either in its entirety or only certain scenes), what would you want your audience to know/ understand better after reading your account of events? How do you think they’ll be affected by everything that takes place within each scene, and how has their understanding changed as a result of reading about these characters’ experiences?
How has your overall appreciation for this story changed as a result of completing the various questions found above? Do you have anything else to add regarding its significance, or do you believe it is self-explanatory without any additional commentary?

Short Story Essay Examples

Short story essay on childhood memories

Sample Short Story Essay On Childhood Memories

Short story essay about friendship

Sample Short Story Essay About Friendship (pdf)

Short story essay about accident

Sample Short Story Essay About An Accident (pdf)

Sample comparison essay on two short stories

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Short Story - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

A short story is a brief work of fiction that typically focuses on a single character or event. Essays might explore the structural elements of short stories, the evolution of this literary form, analysis of notable short stories and their themes, and the impact of cultural contexts on short story writing. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Short Story you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

The Short Story “The Cask of Amontillado”

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Script for the Short Story “The Chrysanthemums”

Author: John Steinbeck John Steinbeck was born in the early 1900s in Salinas County. Most of his stories take place in the county that he grew up in. Readers can easily relate to the characters because they for the most part were social outcasts or were battling inner battle that mimicked a problem that was prevalent in the time period that the story was set in. He is mostly known for his work "The Wrath of Grapes." Another piece that […]

What is what of this Goldfish would you Wish about

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Short Story – Sex Education

"Looking into his eyes, I could tell his answer would to my question would be painful to tell. It was a Saturday afternoon in April and I decided to ask my roommate Cam about his experiences with sexual education in Utah. “I heard so many of my peers throw around the word fag while also hearing about how many girls I knew got pregnant and even got STI’s”. Cam did not come out until college but, I could not imagine […]

Review on the Short Story Hills Like White Elephants

The short story “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway has a thought-provoking yet simple central plot. The plot revolves around a man and a woman named Jig who are torn between a decision that will affect their lives no matter the outcome. The story never explicitly tells what the issue is, however; it is easy to understand that Jig is pregnant, the man wants an abortion, and their relationship is not as good as it once was. The author […]

The Gift of the Magi Symbol Analysis

O. Henry, an American author known for his short stories is effective at creating loving, and humorous events in his writings, particularly in one of his best-known works, The Gift of the Magi, where the reader can often laugh at the ironic situations within the lives of the main characters Della and Jim. In this story, there is an apparent use of symbols that help further the development of one of his common themes of “love and happiness being truly […]

Insanity in the Short Story Tell Tale Heart

The Tell Tale Heart is a short story about the murder of an elderly man. In this story the narrator who is also the murderer is insane. This of course, is not everyone's belief. Some believe the murderer is a calculated killer. The point of this essay, is to prove that the Murderer is insane. This story is not clear as to weather the narrator is convincing himself or another individual that he is not mad. Our narrators argument only […]

Short Story: Narrative of Two Twins, who have Lost Contact with each other

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Scarlet Ibis Symbolism

There are different scholarly components that consolidate together to make the subject and mind-set of a story. In the short story, "The Scarlet Ibis," the creator, James Hurst, exhibits the utilization of scholarly components and the significance of fundamental life exercises. The temperament in this short story is profoundly nostalgic and despairing. The storyteller faces the troublesome snag of his pride versus Himself (which is additionally the basic subject of the story). In the story, Hurst utilizes the components of […]

Short Story about Boat

After the wrecked boat has been fixed, Marlow and his team start their journey to the inner station through the Congo River. Marlow describes the travel as a journey back to the earliest beginnings of the world (48). In fact, this journey is a forward movement, but it is described as a backward movement. We are given the impression that they are moving away from culture; they are traveling back to their original which is nature. In other words, they […]

Reflections on the Future: an Analysis of ‘By the Waters of Babylon’ Short Story

"By the Waters of Babylon," a short story penned by Stephen Vincent Benét, is a compelling post-apocalyptic tale that explores themes of knowledge, discovery, and the cyclical nature of civilization. Set in a future where industrial civilization has collapsed, the story follows a young protagonist, John, a son of a priest in a tribal society, on his journey of discovery and enlightenment. This essay delves into the narrative, themes, and symbolism of "By the Waters of Babylon," examining its significance […]

The Lady or the Tiger by Frank Stockton Overview

'The Lady or the Tiger' by Frank Stockton was a story that really left me thinking and somewhat frustrated. If you've ever read this short story, you definitely know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you'll find out soon enough. The theme of this short story is one most can agree on though that is an unsolvable problem. Something that I liked about this story is that the princess and the man could understand each other just by looking […]

Unraveling Fate: the Profound Layers of ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ Short Story

Picture this: a seemingly harmless, shriveled monkey's paw that holds the power to grant wishes – but at a terrifying cost. This is the central motif of W.W. Jacobs' classic tale, 'The Monkey's Paw,' a story that weaves a chilling narrative far beyond its ghostly surface. This essay delves into the depths of 'The Monkey's Paw,' exploring the intricate meanings and lessons hidden within its haunting lines, and reflecting on the timeless human themes it so masterfully portrays. At first […]

Short Story Analysis: General Zaroff as the Personification of Predatory Aristocracy in ‘The most Dangerous Game

In Richard Connell's thrilling short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," General Zaroff emerges as a character who is as charismatic as he is chilling. A masterful blend of aristocratic charm and cold-bloodedness, Zaroff serves as a compelling study of a refined yet barbaric predator, the quintessence of civilized savagery. The story, set on a remote island, becomes the stage for a sinister game of life and death, where Zaroff's true nature unfolds. A Russian aristocrat exiled after the revolution, General […]

A Study of Montresor the Narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Story the Cask of Amontillado

Horror is omnipresent. It is physical, psychological, or manifests as a combination both, where the mental flow of irrationality bleeds into reality, creating a somewhat-tangible, yet somewhat-abstract convolution of fear that surrounds us, as well as our psyches. The notion is sometimes difficult to grasp. And it is because of this unsettling emotion, that theme of horror has become such an integral element in many novels and stories, falling into the realms of literary and psychological criticism. One particular short […]

Short Story – Tony and Mrs. Harjo

"For my client Tony, a 13-year-old boy, losing the only parent who was present in his life and due to alcohol poisoning nonetheless, must be one of the toughest situations to deal with. He now finds himself in a tug of war between the legal system and the uncertainty of what is going to happen with his custodial situation. The recent events have had consequences on Tony that are already visible and should raise red flags about how all this […]

Comparative and Contrast English Literature Essay

Two kinds and Borders Two Kinds and Borders are two texts that explain about commitment. There are chances for everyone to develop and get what they want in life. Many people have done the right things and have achieved greatness in America while others who are not willing to do their best could not get the privilege. People have become famous as young as nine. For people to achieve greatness, it does not require anyone to have a talent or […]

The Relationship between Gregor Samsa and his Father in the Metamorphosis, a Short Story by Franz Kafka

Work. Work. Work. An endless lifestyle since youth. From a very young age children are put to work all the way until they are no longer able to work. Although it is orthodox to do something in life which consist of continuous work and progress, the standard ideology set up by society is an overwhelming weight to carry. In the story “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka, Gregor Samsa is a traveling salesman, who is working hard to pay of his […]

Textual Analysis of “Dear Life” by Alice Munro

Alice Munro’s work on ‘Dear Life’ gives readers an experience of various locations, diverse characters, and a series of events that helps to reexamine life. Throughout the short story, the author shares various events and situations from her life in such a manner that the reader travels with the character, search for the missing links and imagine the various encounters. This short story attempts to generalize certain characteristics of other works done by Munro. Munro’s achieves this connection of her […]

Delicacies and Identity: the Symbolism in “Fish Cheeks”

Amy Tan's short essay "Fish Cheeks" is more than just an account of a teenage girl's Christmas dinner. It is a profound exploration of identity, cultural clash, and the universal coming-of-age experience. Through a simple recounting of a meal, Tan captures the internal conflict faced by many adolescents, especially those who straddle two cultures. Her story, though specific in its details, touches upon a universal theme: the yearning to belong and the pain of feeling different. The narrative of "Fish […]

Adrift in Existence: Delving into the Depths of Stephen Crane’s “The Open Boat”

Stephen Crane's "The Open Boat" is not just a tale of four men stranded at sea; it is a profound meditation on humanity's relationship with the vast, indifferent universe. Based on Crane's own harrowing experience of shipwreck, the story grapples with themes of existential despair, brotherhood, and the sheer unpredictability of nature. Through the lens of this seemingly simple survival narrative, Crane delves deep into the heart of human existence, exposing our vulnerabilities, strengths, and perpetual quest for meaning. At […]

The Intricacies of Morality and Loyalty in “Barn Burning”

William Faulkner's "Barn Burning" is more than just a story of a disenfranchised family in the post-Civil War American South. It's a compelling exploration of morality, loyalty, and the complex relationships between fathers and sons. At its heart, "Barn Burning" delves into the internal conflict faced by Sarty, a young boy torn between his loyalty to his family and his innate sense of right and wrong. The story commences in a small-town dry goods store, which doubles as a courtroom. […]

Personal Narrative about New Year’s Day where Personal NarrativeMy Birthdays

It was at Buffalo Wild Wings, where a spicy wing on the menu was described by the waiter as "as spicy as a ghost pepper" due to their very own mango habanero sauce. My uncle challenged me to eat the wings for the stake of 300 dollars. I didn't want to appear timid in front of all my older cousins either. Unfortunately, one had to be at least 14 years old to eat the wing, but I had just turned […]

On the Rainy River by Tim O’Brien Analysis

Throughout history, the United States’ stance on foreign affairs has gradually developed from neutrality to voluntary involvement in other nations' wars. South Vietnam was facing enormous pressure from North Vietnam to become communist and this eventually led the two to break out into war. Additionally, the United States feared the effects of the “domino theory” would influence neighboring countries of Vietnam to become communist if all of Vietnam were to become communist. As a result of this, the United States […]

Irony in Canterbury Tales

Incongruity is the overall name given to scholarly procedures that include amazing, fascinating, or interesting inconsistencies. 1 Two stories that fill in as amazing shows of incongruity are "The Pardoners Tale" and "The Nun's Priest's Tale," both from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Of the accounts, "The Pardoners Tale" shows the most incongruity. As a matter of first importance, the whole recounting the story is unexpected, considering exactly who is the teller. The Pardoner utilizes this story to stand in opposition […]

Symbolism and Allegory in “The Mask of the Red Death”

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Mask of the Red Death" is a spooky tale full of deep meaning about life and death. Published way back in 1842, it tells the story of Prince Prospero, who tries to dodge a deadly plague called the Red Death by hiding away in a fancy abbey with his buddies. But guess what? The Red Death sneaks in anyway, showing us all how we can't run from what's bound to happen. Poe paints a vivid picture […]

The Remarkable Story Behind “The Boys in the Boat”

"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown is a compelling narrative that recounts the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's men's rowing team and their extraordinary quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This book is not just about a sporting triumph; it delves deep into the personal struggles, teamwork, and sheer determination of a group of young men during a challenging period in American history. At its core, "The Boys in the Boat" is […]

The Haunting Legacy of Owl Creek Bridge: a Study of Ambrose Bierce’s Masterpiece

Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” stands as one of the most compelling and frequently analyzed works in American literature. First published in 1890, this short story has captivated readers with its intricate narrative structure, psychological depth, and poignant themes. Bierce’s tale, set during the American Civil War, explores the final moments of a man named Peyton Farquhar, who is condemned to be hanged by Union soldiers for attempting to sabotage Owl Creek Bridge. The story’s brilliance lies […]

The Complex Character Dynamics in Kate Chopin’s “The Storm”

Kate Chopin's narrative "The Storm" presents a multifaceted tapestry for the scrutiny of characters, unveiling the intricate emotional and ethical terrains inhabited by its protagonists. Penned in 1898 yet withheld from publication until 1969, the narrative audaciously traverses the realms of ardor, infidelity, and emancipation through the interplay of its central figures, Calixta and Alcee. By delving into their intricacies, we can discern Chopin's nuanced delineation of human yearnings and societal restraints. Calixta, the focal persona in "The Storm," embodies […]

Reflecting on Frailty and Beauty: Insights from “The Scarlet Ibis” Short Story

James Hurst's masterpiece, "The Scarlet Ibis," delves into the intricate labyrinth of human emotions, intricately woven into the fragile bond shared by two siblings. Against the evocative backdrop of a Southern farm, this narrative plunges into the depths of pride, affection, and the stark confrontation with mortality. Through the allegorical prism of the scarlet ibis, a creature epitomizing both ethereal beauty and profound vulnerability, Hurst crafts a narrative that is as profoundly moving as it is enlightening. This analysis endeavors […]

Short Story Essay Examples

The power of choice in "lather and nothing else".

The "Lather And Nothing Else" essay delves deeper into the themes of morality, ethics, and loyalty, as portrayed in Hernando Téllez's short story. Through the character of the barber, the author examines the weight of personal values and how they can be compromised in the...

Thematic Analyiss of the Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara

What does it take a child to understand the concepts of social inequality and the understanding of poverty? The importance of education seems to be dismissed by the youth without realizing its value to economic success. The story also portrays the inner vulnerability of the...

Brokeback Mountain: Exploring Themes and Impact

"Brokeback Mountain," directed by Ang Lee, is a cinematic masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on both the film industry and cultural discourse. This essay delves into the themes presented in the film, their significance, and the lasting impact that "Brokeback Mountain" continues to...

The Charm of Ordinary Life in 'Room on the Roof' by Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond has won the heart of millions of readers with his numerous attractive short stories and introspective novels. Ruskin has written over thirty books for children, more than hundred short stories, six novels and three collection of verse. Ruskin Bond received Sahitya Academy award...

Horror Story: Genre, Understanding and Example

In this horror story essay I will tell you a little bit about horror, and then I will tell a story, and then at the end I will tell you what I have learned and what I think about horror stories. Horror is a genre...

Exploring "Confetti Girl" and "Tortilla Sun"

The short stories "Confetti Girl" by Diana Lopez and "Tortilla Sun" by Jennifer Cervantes offer poignant glimpses into the lives of young protagonists navigating the complexities of identity, heritage, and belonging. Through their unique perspectives, these stories explore the challenges and rewards of coming to...

"The Seventh Man": the Unforgettable Trauma

In Haruki Murakami's short story "The Seventh Man," the author explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the power of memory. The story revolves around the unnamed narrator's recollection of a traumatic childhood event that continues to haunt him into adulthood. Through vivid storytelling and surreal...

The Rocking-horse Winner: Unveiling Hidden Desires

D.H. Lawrence's short story "The Rocking-Horse Winner" delves into the complexities of human desires and the destructive power of materialism. This essay analyzes the themes of luck, greed, and the pursuit of wealth, while also examining the characters' emotional turmoil and the haunting consequences of...

An Analysis of "Salvador Late Or Early" by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros, a renowned contemporary author, has a gift for capturing the essence of human experiences in her works. "Salvador Late or Early," a poignant poem by Cisneros, provides a window into the world of Salvador, a young boy who navigates life's challenges with an...

An Analysis of "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen

Tillie Olsen's poignant short story, "I Stand Here Ironing," delves into the complex emotions and reflections of a mother as she looks back on her daughter's upbringing. Through the mother's introspective monologue, the story explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, regret, and the challenges of navigating...

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