Short Stories: English 9 & 10

What is unique to a short story?

Sets up setting in short amount of time

Instead, short stories generally have a single
setting and begin in media res (Latin, 'into the middle of things'), meaning
they start abruptly with little to no prior information given.
Specific, descriptive verbs
A short story typically contains only one of theme at a time.
Dialogue helps reader see what is happening
Usually has a moral or a message its trying to convey
Iceberg technique; there is more to the story than what appears
on the surface
What you need to know:
The details mentioned early in the story usually recur toward the end of the story. It is no
accident that Cinderella lost a slipper while running from the ball. It is no coincidence that we
learn about Jim and Dellas favorite possessions at the beginning of the story. These details
help set up the events that will follow.
Writing with voice is writing into which someone has breathed. It has that fluency,
rhythm, and liveliness that exist naturally in the speech of most people when they are enjoying a
conversation. Writing with real voice has the power to make you pay attention and
understand-- the words go deep
Assignment: Personal Short Story
Write your own short story (2-4 pages) using the guidelines on this sheet and the knowledge
you have acquired from reading and analyzing The Gift of the Magi. Choose one of the following
prompts:
1. Create a short story in the first person about a time you learned a lesson.
2. Create a fictional short story in which a character or characters learn a lesson.
Things to be Turned In:
__ The Gift of the Magi Iceberg worksheet
__ Rough Draft of Personal Short Story
__ Personal Short Story Iceberg worksheet
__ Final Draft of Personal Short Story