The story is a small genre of fiction. Its distinctive features are a small volume, a limited number of characters and storylines, and a narrow circle of problems touched upon. The originality of the story lies in the concentration of thoughts and feelings transmitted by the author through the characters of literary heroes. In order for the analysis of the story to turn out to be of high quality and interesting, you need to be guided by certain rules.
Instructions
Step 1
Read the story. Pay attention to the feelings and associations that you have after reading. Briefly write down the thoughts that this work prompted you, the first impression about the characters and your own conclusions on the problem of the story.
Step 2
Highlight the main storyline of the story. Identify major and minor actors. Describe the central event of the story.
Step 3
Analyze the plot scheme. It should include an exposition, a setting, the development of an action, a climax, a denouement, an epilogue. Given the small volume of the story, some parts of the plot scheme in it may be presented in a condensed form or not at all.
In the exposition, the author describes the situation preceding the main narrative, the circumstances and conditions in which the main conflict of the work was formed. In the story, the exposition is an optional element.
The plot line is the source, the beginning, the first manifestation of the conflict situation. Pay special attention to the plot of the story.
Further development of action follows. The development of the plot is a dynamic part of the work. It is in it that the author not only describes the events that are taking place, but also gives characteristics to the heroes, reveals their personal characteristics.
The highest tension of the plot is reached at the climax. This part is the pinnacle of the story, when events are at the most acute point of development, emotions are tense, and the characters of the characters open up as much as possible.
The climax is followed by a denouement in which the problem is resolved. The behavior of the heroes becomes completely understandable. The author proceeds to describe the consequences. In this part, the attitude of the writer to his heroes is most noticeable.
The epilogue, as a rule, contains a short description of the further fate of the characters. He may be absent from the story.
Step 4
Deconstruct the composition of the story. Pay attention to the consistency and interconnectedness of its parts. Note the circumstances under which each character is introduced into and out of the narrative by the author.
Step 5
Determine what methods the author uses to unite the inner world of the story. Even in short fictional prose, descriptions of the appearance of characters, interiors, and landscapes occupy an important place.
Step 6
Explore the author's ways of depicting a story. It can be a monologue, an internal monologue, dialogue, a third-person narration, etc. Also find in the text the places where the author expresses his own point of view. Note exactly how he does it - from his own face, through a favorite character, or by hint, non-obvious conclusion.
Step 7
Analyze the images of the main characters. There are usually 2-3 of them in a story. Describe the characters of the characters, their relationship, the uniqueness of each. Support your thoughts with quotes from the text. Consider the meaning of the main and secondary characters for the development of the plot and for the expression of the main idea of the work. In the analysis of the story, the part devoted to the analysis of the characters should be the most meaningful and voluminous.
Step 8
List the stylistic features of the story. What place does it occupy in the writer's work, how characteristic are the thoughts expressed in it for the author's creative position. For such an analysis, you need to read the biography of the writer and a brief description of his creative path. Use encyclopedias and reference books on literature, monographs and articles about this writer.
Step 9
Express your own opinion about the story. It will be easy for you to do this using the notes made immediately after reading the text. If your views differ from those of the writer, express them gently, without pretending to be absolutely correct.
