learningtoappreciate.docVIP

Learning to Appreciate English Short Stories Compiled by Tang Wei-sheng （唐伟胜选编） South-west Agricultural University July, 2004 Table of Contents Elements of the Short Story 3 Section One Character 3 Section Two Setting 4 Section Three Plot 5 Section Four Point of View 5 Section Five Theme 6 The Gift of the Magi 7 Young Goodman Brown 11 The Story of an Hour 19 Eveline 21 Gimpel The Fool 24 Hills Like White Elephants 33 The Lottery 37 The Tell-Tale Heart 43 An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge 46 The ￡1,000,000 Pound Bank-Note 52Elements of the Short Story The reading and writing of the short story is similar to the development of a fine athlete. The reading of the short story is knowing the rules of the sport and the writing allows the student to actively participate in the game. The refinement of students’ skills like that of an athlete will improve with consistent, meaningful practice. We believe as teachers we must provide the field (selective short stories), make clear the rules (understanding the elements of the short story), and allow for consistent practice sessions (student writing that focuses on character development—setting—plot—theme and point of view). The students will then be better prepared to win the game. If the field is well maintained, the rules clearly understood, and the practice sessions meaningful with feedback, everyone wins in this game especially the players (students). We believe students should write for themselves and others. It is critical that students at the middle and high school level, specifically grades seven through twelve, edit their papers and those of other students. We are opposed to students focusing on the teacher as the sole audience. The teacher is only one source of feedback for students. We need to encourage students to use others as viable and valuable resources and audiences. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section One Character Char