Short Story

Literary Terms

  • idioms- a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be derived from the literal definitions of its words

  • foreshadowing- hints as to what is to take place in the future time within the novel

  • Universal symbols- visual representations or signs that convey specific meaning across various cultures and languages

  • theme- the central idea or underlying message that a writer conveys through a story, poem, or other work

  • Original symbols- symbols that are uniquely crafted by the author, that often carry deep personal or thematic significance.

  • simile- comparison of 2 seemingly unlike objects which uses “like” or “as”

  • metaphor- an implied comparison between two seemingly unlike objects

  • irony- situation becoming the exact opposite of what is intended

  • alliteration- repetition of one letter sound to produce a desired effect

  • imagery- visually descriptive or figurative language

Short Stories

How Much Land Does a Man Need?

Characters:

  • Pahom

  • Pahom’s wife

  • Chief of the Bashkirs

Conflicts:

  • Land owning became Pahom’s addiction because he was hungry for power and felt weak when he did not have it

Theme:

  • The temptation of gain can lead to loss.

The Scarlet Ibis

Characters:

  • Narrator

  • Doodle (William Armstrong)

  • Mother

  • Scarlett Ibis (symbol)

Conflicts:

  • The narrator felt held back and burdened because his brother Doodle was weak

  • The narrator taught Doodle how to walk, but one day he left him in the middle of a storm, and Doodle died

Theme:

  • Pride is both good and bad

The White Heron

Characters:

  • Sylvia

  • Mrs. Tilley (Grandma)

  • Young man with the gun

Conflicts:

  • The young man wanted to kill the white heron for his collection, and he would do/ give anything to achieve it

  • Sylvia doesn’t tell him where the White Heron is because she wants to keep it safe

Theme:

  • Not giving in to temptations can lead to better rewards