Short Stories

Introduction to ENGL 101

• ENGL 101 introduces key literary genres: short stories, novels, poetry, and drama.

• Focus on developing close reading and analysis skills.

• Emphasis on contextual reading, considering historical, social, and political contexts.

• Exploration of various literary forms and interpretative strategies.

• Discussion of literary critical terms and approaches to enhance understanding.

• Importance of engaging with set texts and not shying away from confusion; utilizing discussion forums for clarification.

Literary Studies and Theory

• ENGL 101 provides introductory knowledge of literary genres and critical approaches.

• Introduces major schools of literary interpretation, challenging assumptions in literary criticism.

• Importance of understanding genre, historical context, language, conventions, and criticism to unpack meaning.

• Criticism should be approached critically; diverse opinions exist about texts.

• Recommended readings list for deeper exploration of critical theory approaches.

The Short Story

• Defined as a brief fictional prose narrative, becoming popular in early 19th century.

• Rooted in oral storytelling with a diverse history and key literary techniques.

• Can have complex characters, plots, or minimal narrative structure.

• Notion of the short story as an intense creative space for writers.

• Challenges arise in crafting narratives within limited word counts.

• Examination of narrative techniques: story, plot structure, narrative voice, tense, characterization, setting, tone, mood, and figurative language.

Edgar Allan Poe's Short Stories

• Poe exemplifies the short story form with "The Cask of Amontillado."

• Focus on unity of effect: the story's thrilling tension depends on brevity and tight structure.

• Use of first-person unreliable narration, immersing readers in the mind of the murderer.

• Significance of setting (Venice) and its impact on themes of revenge.

• Close reading required; language choices inform narrative drive and suspense.

• Use of irony emphasizes the contrast between narrator and audience understanding.

Focus Questions

1. How does Poe’s idea of "unity of effect" shape "The Cask of Amontillado"?

2. How evident is Poe's call for "care and skill" in "The Purloined Letter"?

3. What is the effect of the first-person narrator in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

4. Identify elements of the gothic in "The Cask of Amontillado" and crime fiction in "The Purloined Letter."

5. Is the ending of "The Cask of Amontillado" clear or ambiguous?

6. Describe the language used in both Poe stories.