How to Write an Analysis of a Short Story

Writing an analysis of a short story can be a challenging task, as short stories are often written metaphorically to convey a deeper meaning than appears on the surface. Writing a critical analysis of a short story in essence means determining what you believe that story means and then arguing that point. Your structure will look similar to that of a standard paper, but the critical thinking involved before writing the essay is somewhat different.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read and re-read the short story. Use these times of reading to make notes and to determine what you feel is the meaning of the work --- what the writer is attempting to convey. These will be the foundational points of your analysis.

    • 2

      Seek out theme, character, setting, plot, tone, point of view and conflict within the story. These elements help reveal to you the meaning behind the story. Consider the elements of fiction to be a facade to cover up a moral or point of the story.

    • 3

      Outline your paper. Use a standard essay outline for your paper, but give yourself room within the body characters to flesh out quotes and background from the story coupled with your own opinions on the meaning.

    • 4

      Write your paper. Write first your thesis statement, then your body paragraphs and conclusion. Following these, write your introduction. It is often easier to write your introduction after you have already made the main points and concluded your thoughts. Include your thesis statement in your introduction.

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