How to analyze short stories?

Well, start by looking at the plot. See how it unfolds and if there are any twists or turns. Also, pay attention to the characters and how they develop throughout the story.

Start by looking at the plot and characters. See how they interact and drive the story forward.

Well, start by looking at the plot. See how it unfolds and if there are any twists or turns. Also, pay attention to the characters and their development.

When analyzing confusing short stories, start with the language used. Sometimes the author uses complex or ambiguous language to create confusion. For instance, James Joyce in some of his short stories like 'Araby' uses very detailed and at times convoluted descriptions. Next, think about the themes. Confusing stories often have deep and complex themes that are not immediately obvious. In a story like 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville, the theme of alienation and the refusal to conform is presented in a very puzzling way through Bartleby's strange behavior. Also, pay attention to the narrative voice. If it's an unreliable narrator, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Poe, it can make the story more confusing as the reader has to constantly question what is true and what is the narrator's delusion.

Well, first, read the story carefully to get the gist. Next, break it down into parts - like introduction, conflict, resolution. Consider the theme - what message is the author trying to convey? Also, examine the writing style - is it simple or complex? All these steps can help you analyze a short story.

You can analyze two short stories by focusing on the conflicts. What problems do the characters face and how do they overcome them? Also, notice the use of literary devices like symbolism or metaphor. And don't forget to compare and contrast the two stories to see their similarities and differences.

First, look at the beginning. Does it start with a hook to draw the reader in? In many classic short stories, the opening lines are designed to pique curiosity. For example, 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984' (although it's a novel, but the opening principle is similar for short stories). Then, consider the middle part. Is it building up the story steadily? Are there any flashbacks or changes in perspective? In some short stories, a shift in the narrator's point of view can completely change the meaning.

You can analyze the plot structure. See how the story begins, the rising action, climax, and resolution. In a good short story, the plot should be engaging and lead the reader through a series of events that make sense. For instance, if there's a mystery in the short story, the plot should gradually reveal clues until the mystery is solved at the climax. Also, think about the setting. Is it a real - world place or a fictional one? How does the setting affect the characters and the story? If it's a cold, dark forest, it might create a sense of danger or mystery for the characters.

Start with the characters. See how they are developed and what they represent in the context of the story.

Well, you can start by identifying the main idea in the short stories and novels. In many cases, it's related to the conflict that the characters face. For post test, it's important to note how the author resolves this conflict. Another aspect is the setting. It can greatly influence the mood of the story. If it's a post - test on these works, you may need to discuss how the setting affects the overall narrative.