Short+stories+and+terms

Rachael Ferrari October 18, 2008 D "The Cask of Amontillado" Edgar Alan Poe Point of View


 * Point of View:** The point from which people, events, and other details in a story are viewed. Includes both focus and voice.
 * Limited Point of View or Limited Focus:** A perspective pinned to a single character, so we cannot know for sure what is going on in the minds of other characters. If the character leaves a room in a scene, the reader must go too, and we cannot find out any extra information other than what the character themselves finds out.
 * Omniscient Point of View or Unlimited Focus:** Moves around from one character to another and can be moved in and out of any character at any time.
 * Auditor:** Someone other than the reader, such as a character within the story, to whom the story or “speech” is addressed.
 * Centered (central) consciousness:** A limited point of view, that is tied to a single character, where his or her thoughts are revealed, but not the thoughts or feelings of other characters in the story. (Montresor)
 * Narrator:** The person who tells the story. (Montresor)
 * Persona:** The voice or figure of the author who tells and structures the story, and who may or may not share the values of the actual person or author.
 * Psychological Realism:** Where reality is only what the main character perceives it to be.
 * Unreliable Narrator:** A speaker or voice whose vision or version of the details of the story is consciously or unconsciously deceiving. (What Fortunato really did to Montresor)
 * Voice:** The “person” telling the story, can be acknowledged or unacknowledged.

Source: __The Norton Introduction to Fiction__ by Jeremy Beaty (100).

In the Cask of Amontillado, point of view shapes the story. The point of view is in first person, and is limited to Montresor, a focal character who is telling us of his revenge plan for a ‘grave’ insult that we never find out about. Montresor is an unreliable narrator because we never find out if the insult is as terrible as he makes it out to be. In the story, Fortunato is completely unaware of Montresors’ hatred of him, and that might be because the insult was insignificant. Montresor probably blew up the insult that Fortunato made to him to larger proportions in his mind, making his information unreliable. The reader is inside the mind of a murderer, as he executes his evil plans for revenge. Seeing what is happening through the eyes of a murderer heightens the impact and interest of the story by intensifying the horror of what he is thinking and doing to Fortunato. Point of view is a key element in conveying the plot and structure of the short story.

Catacombs/skulls-signify Montresors’ revenge plot http://flickr.com/photos/pinkbutterfly_ny/244610902/

Definitions from story: Amontillado: A fine sherry Connoisseurship(pg 78): a person with expert knowledge or training Nitre: A white mineral

Setting: Italy, during Carnival season

Zalia Rojas __ Point of View Vocabulary: __ ·  __ auditor- __ someone other than the reader-a character within the fiction- to whom the story is "speech" is addressed ·  __ centered(central) consciousness __ - a limited point of view, one tied to a single character throughout the story, often revealing his or her inner thoughts but unable to read the thoughts of others ·  __ focus __ - the point from which people, events, and other details in a story are viewed ·  __ limited point of view/ limited focus __ - a perspective pinned to a single character, whether first person or a third person centered consciousness so that we cannot know for sure what is going on in the minds of other characters ·  __ narrator- __ person who tells the story ·  __ persona- __ the voice or figure of the author who tells and structures the story, and who may or may not share the values of the actual person of the author ·  __ point of view-focus __ : the point from which people, events, and other details in the story are viewed ·  __ psychological realism __ - modification of the concept of realism, or telling it like it is, which recognizes that what is real to the individual is that which he or she perceives ·  __ unlimited focus or omniscient point of view __ - a perspective that can be seen from one character's view, then another's, then another's or can be moved in or out of any character at any time ·  __ unreliable narrator __ - a speaker or voice whose vision or version of the details of the story are consciously or unconsciously deceiving ·  __ voice - __ acknowledged or un acknowledged source of the words of the story: the speaker the person telling the story: first person in this story Source for All Vocabulary: The Norton Introduction to Fiction by Jeremy Beaty (100) __ Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe __ Montresor is the narrator and protagonist of this short story. The use of "you"(we are the auditors) pulls the reader in making it seem as though he really is telling the story as if we were right there with him. Throughout the story, the reader is lead to believe that the story is being told a short time after its actual occurrence. This is why it is surprising to discover (at the end of the tale) that the story is actually being told fifty years later. The fact that all of the story occurs from Montresor's point of view, and only his, tells us that it is a limited point of view. It also tells us that he is an unreliable narrator because we don't know if death is the appropriate price for whatever it is that Fortunado did. We just get the thoughts/opinions of Montresor-nobody elses. These elements of point of view are what influence the reader's opinions, reactions, and moods after reading the story.

JANUS BY ANN BEATTIE

ALEXIS DEMOULAS :

=__**Terms:**__=

Symbols Alexis Demoulas Moore English D Period

λ Allegory: When an abstract or spiritual meaning is represented through a concrete idea. λ Figurative: Not literal but metaphorical. The comparison of two things that are not alike. λ Metaphor: When a word/phrase is indicated as one thing that is used to indicate another, which then makes an implied comparison. λ Myth: A symbolic and lengthy story that creates a belief that is neither true nor false. λ Simile: Usually contains the words "like" or "as". When two different things are compared. λ Symbol: Can be a : -Person -Place -Thing -Event - Pattern
 * Represents something else in an abstract, general way/idea. However, the actual object is concrete.

PICTURE : http://www.flickr.com/photos/86031932@N00/226283570/

In the short story, //Janus// written by Ann Beatie, Andrea is a real estate agent who swears that all her success is because of her cream colored bowl, that shimmers and flashes, everywhere she brings it. However this bowl, symbolizes more then a piece of kitchenware, it symbolizes a kind of two faced love. It appears that Andrea is in love with her husband, however, not to long ago, her and her secret lover, went to the fair, where he bought her the bowl. Then soon, Andrea's lover got fed up with her two faced behavior and left her. Now all Andrea had left was that bowl, her ex-lover bought her that day. Ultimately, the bowl that never held Andrea's husbands keys or things of that sort, symbolizes Andrea's soul and the emptiness of it because the real man she loved, was gone-" a vanishing point on the horizon". The author of this intriguing short story, uses metaphors and similes to catch the readers attention, which makes the reader focus on smaller details, and allows them to see the symbol more clearly and what it truly represents.

=__Elements of a Short Story Characterization-"Why I live at the P.O."__ Characterization Terms by jnewman= =Antagonist-a character who opposes the leading character= Antihero-a leading character who is not heroic but rather is normal or average Character-a fictional personage a combination of a person's qualities(moral qualitites) ex.strong, weak, bad, good Characterization-the presentation of a fictional presentation ex."a good character" existential character-a person real or fictional who can change by an act of will flat character-a fictional character who is usually a minor character who is fairly simple, or having few character traits. hero/heroine-the leading character who is usually larger than life or even godlike. major characters-characters who are described/shown most in a story minor characters-less developed characters who "fill out the story" nature-the character traits of a character that thus cause a character to be predictable. personality-that which distinguishes/individualizes a person protagonist-the main character in a work(can be heroic or not heroic) round character-a complex character and usually a major character, who can grow and change/act in a way that the reader does not expect sterotype-a characterization based on either intentional or unintentional assumptions based on a characters backround(age,gender,etc.) villain-the one in a story who opposes the hero and heroine, "the bad guy"

Characterization takes part in this story, __"why I live at the P.O."__ because there are examples of a protagonist, the main character(in this case is also an antihero because she is an ordinary person who stands up for herself/tries to keep her pride by living at the P.O.) in the story, and an antagonist, Stella-Rondo(who is also the villain in this case because she tries to sabatoge the main character). Also, there are flat characters such as Papa-Daddy and Mama who are very simple in the sense that they both stay the same(old fashioned and curt) throughout the story. And there are round characters such as the main character who changes or surprises the reader during the story.(leaves home and family to live at the P.O.) Finally, personality is also shown because the reader sees the evil, devious personality of Stella-Rondo.

Characterization by Ben Ferguson

Vocabulary An **antagonist** is the person or force working against the main character in a story. An **antihero** is the main character in a story; an antihero is not perfect or outstanding like a hero, but is more realistic and similar to an average person. A **character** is either 1) a fictional person in a story, or 2) a description of a person’s qualities, such as “good”, “bad”, “strong”, or “weak”. **Characterization** is the presentation of a fictional character in a story. An **existential character** is a character that can change or has changed by an act of will. A **flat character** is a fictional, usually minor character who is relatively simple with only a few character traits and who does not change throughout the story. A **hero** or **heroin** is the main character in a story that is usually larger than life and sometimes godlike. **Major characters** are characters in a story that we see and hear about the most. **Minor characters** are the characters in a story we don’t hear much about; sort of like extras in a movie. **Nature** (as in “it’s in his [or her] nature”) is something inborn in a character; it is usually predictable. A characters **personality** is the traits that distinguish or individualize the character. A **protagonist** is the main character in a story; the protagonist can be either heroic or not heroic. A **round character** is a complex, often major character that grows and changes throughout a story and therefore will often act in an unpredictable yet realistic way. A **stereotype** is a characterization based on a conscience or unconscious assumption that one aspect of a character determines what the person is like. A **villain** is a character who opposes the hero or heroin; the villain is the bad guy. How these terms apply to //Why I Live at the P.O.// In //Why I Live at the P.O.//, there are many characters, including Mama, Pappa-daddy, Uncle Rondo, Stella-Rondo, Shirley-T, and the Narrator. Each character (noun) has a unique character (adjective); for example, for example, Uncle Rondo has a short temper while Stella-Rondo is a liar. It is in Pappa-daddy’s nature to defend his beard, and Stella-Rondo’s personality is one of a spoiled younger child. The protagonist is the narrator; she is the main character in this story. She is the hero or heroin, and also an antihero because she is a realistic character similar to someone in our world. The antagonist, or the person working against her, is hard to pick out; it could be Stella-Rondo, but can also be the whole family. The villain, however, is Stella-Rondo. The major characters in this story are the narrator, Stella-Ronda, Mama, Pappa-daddy, and Uncle Rondo. Two minor characters are Shirley-T and the little girl with the red wagon. An example of a round character is Uncle Rondo; he used to like the narrator much more than Stella-Rondo, but then Stella-Rondo turns him against the narrator. Uncle Rondo is also an existential character. All the other characters in the book are flat characters because they don’t change throughout the story. The author uses many different methods of characterization in this story; characters traits are revealed through their dialogue, actions, and the narrator’s thoughts about them, and the narrator’s character is revealed through her thoughts. Visual Representation This is the way that I pictured the narrator based on the author’s characterization of her. Source: [|**www.supportingkids.com/anger-management/**]


 * __PLOT__** __**By Cody Jacques**__

** Sonny’s Blues-PLOT ** Action- a series of events within a story Climax or Turning Point- peak of intensity of the book, where action stops rising and begins to slow down or stop Conclusion- last part of story where all action stops and conflicts are resolved Conflict- the problem or struggle within the book Curiosity- wanting to know what event will happen next Exposition- introduction or beginning of story, where characters and setting are introduced, establishes conflict Falling Action- place in story where the conflict is “untangled” (Norton Introduction to Fiction Pg. 71) Flash Back- placing in a scene from the past into the present Plot-way the story or action is laid out Rising Action- place in story where events start to complicate, new conflict arises Suspense- expectation of what is going to happen next //Sonny’s Blues// is a story about two men who are brothers. The two grew up together in New York and had really talked to each other until Sonny was arrested for peddling and heroin abuse. Once this happens The man reaches Sonny and the talk for a long while, Sonny then tell him that he wants to be a musician. Sonny’s brother does not believe this and laughs, but when he realizes he is serious, he decides to let him live at Isabel’s and use their piano to practice. Sonny ends up sneaking off and the two end up in another fight so Sonny goes and joins the navy. When he finally comes back, he talks to his brother again and invites him to his first concert. His brother goes and is amazed with Sonny’s talent, along with the entire crowd. The elements of plot work in //Sonny’s Blues// by following the map or diagram of the plot. At the beginning or exposition, Sonny’s brother is introduced reading the paper about his brother being a heroin abuser. During the rising action sonny meets with his brother, fights with him, then meets him again to ask a very important question. The climax is when Sonny invites his brother to his performance. The falling action is when Sonny takes the stage and plays the piano for the first time in a club. The conclusion of the story is when Sonny looks at his brother, nods, and realizes that he is clean and living his life-long dream of being a blues pianist. http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/entertainment/music/baby-grand-piano.jpg
 * TERMS **
 * PLOT **

Jonathan Franco English: Moore 10.22.08 **Setting: “A Rose for Emily”** **By: William Faulkner**
 * Setting:** The setting of a story is the time and place that characters and actions embedded, and it is a vital part to the plot of the story. The time can be modern, historical, and/or mystical. Also, ranging from a time of a couple minuets to many years. The place or area that a story takes place in can be a country, a state, a city, a neighborhood, or a home. Setting can vary in many different ways making each story unique and shaping around the setting. Characters, plot, and setting are all closely related and revolve around one another to form a story. In a historical story, the time, place and setting of the historical area interact with the person who tells the story. In other stories setting, can be a symbol for ways of life or value system.

Dictionary definition: The time, place, and circumstances in which something occurs or develops. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The short story “A Rose for Emily,” by William Faulkner takes place in the South or Jefferson, Mississippi. Miss Emily is the protagonist, who is a middle aged women whose father passes away many years ago. Most of the people in the town felt bad for Emily because her “man”, Homer Barron left her. She secluded herself in her home for many years. Eventually, she gets deathly ill and passes away. The setting was a small town, in the South, where everyone knew each other. The time frame is based on the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. The author explains how blacks people where viewed and racism against that group of people. The text uses the words “Negro” as a derogatory term. A setting like the one in “A Rose for Emily” allows the plot and history shape around the setting. The language that is used, the transportation such as the horse and buggy in this story all are affected by the setting. The setting of each story forms the plot, dialog, and characters thoughts. Miss Emily lived in a home that has alot of meaning and symbiotic relationship to it. The reader can sense the musty, dark, rundown, creeky, dark, abandoned, and ghostly home. The description of the home allows the reader to sense the sound, feel, sight, and smell of the home. Miss Emily's home symbolizes her lifestyle and personality. The house, also the setting of the story, is like a character. Her house is an example of how the setting is closely related to the plot and actions that take place. Setting is a crucial element and is the main focus that the characters, plot, and theme revolve around.
 * Story:**

http://flickr.com/photos/goplacia/2064441187/ Ariana Twomey October 27, 2008 Theme- How Much Land Does a Man Need? __ Terms:  __ __ Theme within the Story __ : The theme of //How// //Much Land// //Does a Man Need?// is greed and its consequences. Throughout the book we followed main character Pahóm, through the many stages of his life. Pahóm started off with very little, he worked hard to improve his life and the amount of land he owned. Every time he increased this amount; getting what he wanted, his satisfaction would only last for so long then he would meet someone who appeared to have more than him. Pahóm was a very greedy person and was always envious of the strangers that he met. His envy would then drive him to achieve more. Like the old saying “Money doesn’t buy you happiness.” Pahóm was never satisfied. In the end his greed and desire for what others had resulted in his death. __ Photos:  __
 * ** Allusion ** : casual reference or incidental mention of something, either directly or by suggestion (history, bible, literature, or music)
 * ** Message ** : main idea of a story, it preexists
 * ** Parable ** : a short story written to demonstrate or teach a moral lesson
 * ** Plot Summary ** : description of actions with in the story listed chronologically
 * ** Subject ** : topic of a story (concrete and literal)
 * ** Theme ** : central idea of a story, it is to be inferred

**THEME** / __How__ __Much Land__ __Does a Man Need?__ ** Definitions ** : __ Plot summary __ : a summary of the action that occurs in a story (Beaty, 166) *__Theme__*: a generalization or abstraction from the story. (May include the central idea, thesis, or a message from the story.) (Beaty, 167) __ Parable __ : a short fiction that illustrates an explicit moral lesson. (Beaty, 168) __ Allusions __ : references outside the story. (Can be from history, religion, other stories, etc.) (Beaty, 169) ** Short ** **plot** **reminder:** *Devil hears a peasant, Pahom, say that he would like to have more land so the devil decides to mess with his mind. * With the devil’s help and suggestions in disguise, Pahom slowly gains more and more land. * He eventually ends up in the land of the Baskirs, where he is offered as much land as he can walk around in a day. * Greed causes him to try to cover too much ground and he dies in the attempt to run back in time. Being a parable, the main theme in __How Much Land Does a Man Need__ is presented in a clear and obvious way. The title itself brings up the theme by questioning if land is really a necessity as well as the question of whether or not wealth actually brings happiness. The first part of the story also sets up the theme when the two sisters, one rich and one poor, argue about whether life in town or life as a peasant is better. An answer to these questions is suggested in the rest of the story. We see that even though even though Pahom thinks he’s getting happier whenever he gets more land, he’s never really satisfied and always wants more. The fact that this leads to his eventual death suggests that wealth doesn’t always bring happiness and the fact that he was doing just fine in life as a peasant suggests that a man doesn’t need any land at all. Actually, as reminded in the last sentence: “Six feet from his head to his feet was all he needed,” all the land a man needs is land to stand on and be buried in. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1002/1303656082_f1ac4155f7.jpg?v=0 Alex Varga, 10/31/08 Sources for vocab from __The Norton Introduction to Fiction__.
 * Theme in __How__ __Much Land__ __Does a Man Need?:__ **
 * A Russian farm: **