Responding critically to a short story.

Responding critically to a short story.   1. Essay needs to include all the answer for responding_critically. 2. Story is included (Lather _and_nothing_else) Responding critically to a short story. When conducting a critical analysis of a short story, you should focus on how its chief characteristics (plot, atmosphere, characterization, setting) contribute to the meaning of the story.  Ask yourself these questions: • Who is telling the story?  What is his or her attitude towards the characters and events in the story? • How is the setting connected to the conflict?  To the characters?  Would the story change if the setting were changed? • What are the major events or complications leading up to the climax of the story?  Are these events logical and believable? • To what degree is the conflict resolved?  Why does the story end when and where it does? • Is the dialogue convincing? • What are the major personality and physical attributes of the protagonist?  Of the antagonist? • How are the plot, atmosphere, characters, and setting related to the theme? • How does the writer’s style contribute to the story?  Consider the use of: - diction (word choice: do certain words act as symbols?  Are there particular sounds used to heighten the impact of the story?) - syntax (sentence styles: are they short and choppy, long and complicated, or both?  Is dialogue used sparingly or extensively?  How do the types of sentences enhance the story’s mood and theme?) - punctuation (is it used for any particular effect?) - figurative language (how do imaginative comparisons and  imagery work in the short story?) • Does the writer use any other literary devices to enhance the story?  What is the effect of these devices?