Even though it is relatively short and simple, there is much that can be discovered through an in-depth analysis of a short story. Start by trying to conclude the story being told, then pay close attention to other aspects, such as context, setting, plot, character depiction, theme, and writing style. Combine all these aspects through careful critique and draw conclusions from your views on why the author wrote the short story.
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Method 1 of 4: Understanding the Story Based on Context
Step 1. Gather basic information about the story
Summarizing the story will help you structure your ideas and ensure you have a basic understanding of the story. Begin your analysis by writing down the following:
- Story title.
- Writer's name.
- Publication date.
- The origin of the story's publication (eg through an anthology or literary magazine).
- For example, “I am analyzing a short story entitled 'Jeeves Takes Charge' by P. G. Wodehouse published on November 18, 1916 through The Saturday Evening Post.”
Step 2. Get to know the main characters
Most of the short stories are based on the writing of the characters. Take the time to get to know the main characters in the story, then take notes. For example, in the story “Jeeves Takes Charge”, the main characters are:
- A young aristocrat from England, Bertie Wooster.
- Bertie's personal helper (same as assistant), Jeeves.
- Bertie's fiancé, Florence Craye.
- Uncle Bertie, Willoughby.
- Florence's teenage brother, Edwin.
Step 3. Write a brief summary of the story
After writing down all the basic details, write a paragraph or a few sentences that briefly describes the gist of the story. This paper doesn't need to cover all the important aspects of the plot – just outline it.
For example, “Jeeves Takes Charge” tells the story of a foolish young aristocrat (Bertie Wooster) who tries to sabotage the publication of his uncle's memoirs to please his fiancé. Meanwhile, Bertie's personal assistant, Jeeves, devises a scheme to ruin his master's engagement
Step 4. Find out the background of the author's life and literacy
Understanding the context of the short story can broaden your horizons to understand why the story is written the way it is. Studying the background of the author and his motivation to work is important to understand the context of the story. Studying the author's experience and point of view, as well as his literacy or educational background, will clarify the reasons why he uses certain themes, storylines, and types of characters.
For example, P. G. Wodehouse was an educated classical writer who grew up in late Victorian and Edwardian England. During the 1910s, he lived and worked in New York as a writer, lyricist, and playwright. His story combines references from classical western literature with contemporary British and American pop culture
Step 5. Study the time and place to find out when and where the story was written
In addition to learning about the author's background, understanding the historical context and geographic aspects of the story can help you understand it better. Even if a story takes place in a different time and place from when/where it was written, the context of the story will inevitably influence the theme, language, style, and point of view of the story's writing.
- Take note of the major social and political issues of the period in which the story was written, as well as the themes of the artwork that were in vogue at the time. Significant cultural and political changes are often reflected in short stories, either overtly or in a more subtle context.
- For example, "Jeeves Takes Charge" uses the background story of the nobles in the English countryside in the 1910s, but this article was published in the United States at the beginning of the first world war (before the United States joined the war). The story contains the typical American stereotype of the British aristocracy and avoids references to events in contemporary history.
Step 6. Determine the target audience
The target audience will influence the choices writers make when creating a story. For example, a story written for children may have a different writing style, theme, and level of vocabulary difficulty than a story written for adults. When analyzing a story, consider who the target audience is.
- If you don't know who your target audience is, the media that published the story can be a clue.
- For example, "Jeeves Takes Charge" was published in The Saturday Evening Post, a weekly entertainment magazine for adults in the United States. The story is designed to appeal to middle-class adults in the United States.
Step 7. Identify the physical setting of the story
The physical setting of a story serves to create a certain atmosphere and help the action in it feel more real and make sense. It also has an important role in the writing of the storyline. Try to find out the specifics of the setting of the story, then think about how the author created it. Ask yourself the meaning of the setting used for the characters in the story and for the reader, for example to motivate the characters or carry certain symbolism in them.
For example, most of "Jeeves Takes Charge" is set in Easeby Hall, a fictional area in Shropsire, England. Wodehouse doesn't depict the setting in extraordinary detail, but creates an impression by leaving out small details throughout the story (for example, Bertie hides behind armor in her uncle's library when she tries to steal a manuscript)
Step 8. Pay attention to the historical setting
The setting of time in the story can also be important. Even if the author doesn't mention it specifically, you can guess the time setting from the language the characters use in the story, references to historical events or pop culture, and the depiction of costumes and technology used.
- For example, “Jeeves Takes Charge” is set in summer, “about 6 years ago.” If we assume that the story takes place 6 years before publication, the time setting is 1910.
- You can also find general clues to the setting of time, such as references to the use of the telegraph and Bertie's habit of using language typical of the period (such as “rummy” which means “strange” or “a frost” which means “a failure”).
- Some stories may have a changed historical setting or a modified narrative structure. If this is used, pay attention to the effects of a “broken” or nonlinear timeline.
Step 9. Find out the effect of the background on the storyline
One approach to understanding this is to imagine whether the story would be different if it were written in a different setting. Will the writing style stay the same? Are the events and themes in the story suitable for other settings? What is the influence of the historical, cultural, and geographical context on the self, principles, and actions of the characters in the story?
For example, if “Jeeves Takes Charge” takes place in 2018, how likely is it that a young person like Bertie would want to hire a personal assistant like Jeeves? How did Bertie steal her uncle's manuscript in the era of digital document writing and delivery?
Method 2 of 4: Evaluating Plot and Characterization
Step 1. List the most important things in the plot
Plot is a combination of events that are interconnected to form a complete story. Due to their limited length, most short story plots focus on relatively few important events. To understand the plot of a short story, start by listing the important events that are part of the plot. For example, the story "Jeeves Takes Charge", has several important events in its plot, namely:
- Bertie's fiancé, Florence, asks Bertie to destroy the manuscript of her uncle's memoirs because she fears it could spark a scandal.
- Bertie steals the manuscript, but Florence's brother finds out and reports it to his uncle.
- Jeeves retrieves the manuscript before Bertie's uncle finds it. Bertie thought that Jeeves was keeping it in a safe place, but the assistant sent the manuscript to the publisher.
- Florence broke off the engagement after learning that her uncle's memoir had been published. Bertie is angry at first, but Jeeves assures him that he will not be happy if he marries Florence.
Step 2. Identify the main conflict in the story
Most of the plot revolves around a major conflict. The conflict in the story is a dramatic conflict between two opposing camps. This can take the form of a fight between two characters (external conflict) or an inner conflict on one character (internal conflict). A short story may have several conflicts, but usually there is 1 main conflict that describes the outline of the story.
In the story "Jeeves Takes Charge", the main conflict lies with Bertie and Jeeves. The two characters engage in a power struggle that starts small (such as a debate over what clothes Bertie should wear), then culminates when Jeeves destroys Bertie's engagement to Florence
Step 3. Look for the exposition
There are many plots that include exposition or information to clarify the setting so that the reader can more easily understand what is happening. While the exposition can be spread throughout the story, most of it is likely early in the story, before the "big action" to start the main part of the story.
For example, at the beginning of the story "Jeeves Takes Charge", Bertie's narration begins with a brief description of his relationship with Jeeves. This provides a clear backdrop to the main storyline
Step 4. Divide the plot into main sections
Traditional story plots can be divided into opening, content, and closing, otherwise known as "orientation", "climax", and "evaluation". Remember, the three parts don't have to be balanced, especially in a short story that consists mostly of orientation. Short stories often end at the climax to inspire the reader. The traditional structure used in writing the story "Jeeves Takes Charge", can be divided into:
- Orientation: Bertie visits his uncle, hires Jeeves, and steals his uncle's manuscript.
- Climax: Jeeves seizes the manuscript and sends it to the publisher secretly so that Florence breaks off the engagement.
- Evaluation: Bertie is about to fire Jeeves, but the assistant assures him that Florence is not the right person to marry.
Step 5. Find the resolution of the story
While not all plots have a clear evaluation, this is a common element in many short stories. The resolution can be a brief description of what happens after the main story ends, or relate to unfinished events in the "evaluation" section. A resolution may relate to the beginning of the story.
For example, in “Jeeves Takes Charge”, the conflict is over when Bertie decides to trust Jeeves' judgment – not only regarding her engagement, but in all her personal matters. This relates to the opening paragraph which explains that Bertie relies heavily on Jeeves' intelligence
Step 6. Analysis of plot structure
After identifying the important events in the plot, consider the structure of the plot. Is the plot written in a coherent way or is it moving from one time to another? Does the story begin before the main action or occurs in the middle of an action? (in media res)? Is the story self-explanatory or does it have a clear resolution? After that, think about why the author uses that structure and what effect or meaning it has in that structure.
For example, “Jeeves Takes Charge” has a linear plot that moves from one event to another in a sequence
Step 7. Evaluate the point of view of the story
Point of view is an important aspect of a story because it can be a lens for interpreting events, characterizations, and story themes. When studying point of view, ask yourself why the writer made a certain choice and what effect it had on the story. You can imagine the story from a different point of view, as well as find out what effect it has when reading it. When reading a story, consider:
- From whose point of view is the story told? Is it from one of the characters in it or from an unknown narrator?
- Is the story made from a first person point of view (the narrator uses “I”) or from a third person point of view?
- Does the narrator provide a clear explanation of the events in the story or does he misunderstand or deliberately mislead the reader (unreliable)?
- Is the narrator's point of view limited or does he understand everything that happens in the story?
Step 8. Identify the characteristics of the main character in the story
Characters are the most important thing in most short stories. The plot will develop from their actions. As you read the story, think about the characteristics of each character and think about why the author gave them that uniqueness. Character traits can include things like:
- Physical appearance (such as height, hair color, attractiveness, dress style).
- Personality (such as kind, timid, or humorous).
- Style of speech (often using slang, formal language, rigid, poetic).
- Other characteristics, such as age, profession, or social status.
Step 9. Determine the role of each character in the story
Each character has its own role in the story. You can define their roles based on their relationships with other characters or based on the actions that trigger plot movements in the story. As an example:
Bertie Wooster is the protagonist and narrator of the story "Jeeves Takes Charge." He has a humorous nature instead of the heroine characteristics of classical literature, and often fails to make his wish come true throughout the story. He was a stereotypical figure designed to appeal to readers in the United States at the time
Step 10. Understand the motivations of each character
To explain the actions of the characters in the story, they must have a clear motivation. Motivation explains how to think, how to act, and how to talk a story character. Sometimes the motivation is clearly explained. However, sometimes the motivation is also hidden in the dialogue. Find out what motivates a character to do something and what he is trying to achieve.
For example, in the story “Jeeves Takes Charge”, Jeeves tells Bertie that he sabotaged his engagement because he believed Bertie would not be happy married to Florence. He also conveys his personal motivations implicitly – he has worked for the Florence family in the past and doesn't want to go back to working for them
Step 11. Find out the character changes in the story
Almost all short stories have characters who "evolve" as the plot progresses, such as discovering new things about themselves or experiencing changes in principles or behavior. However, there are many short stories that leave the characters the same because the author only gives a rough idea of the character without showing its full development as is a more common practice in a novel.
- For example, at the beginning of the story "Jeeves Takes Charge", Bertie views Jeeves as a competent servant, but rejects Jeeves' attempts to advise and guide him. After realizing that he agreed with Jeeves' views on Florence, Bertie decided that he should let Jeeves "think for her".
- When analyzing a character's development, don't just consider the changes that occurred, but also consider how and why these changes occurred. If you don't feel like your character is changing or growing, think about why this is happening.
Method 3 of 4: Exploring Themes, Patterns, and Writing Styles
Step 1. Determine what the main theme in the story is
Theme is the main idea that the writer tries to convey or the idea that is reflected in the story through the events in the plot or the actions of the characters. Themes can include things like moral or ethical issues, or ideas that relate to human nature. Themes in short stories may be obvious or subtly conveyed. A story can also use more than one theme.
For example, the main theme in the story "Jeeves Takes Charge" is about the nature of power and authority in the relationship between master and servant. Bertie is Jeeves' boss, but Jeeves has more influence in their relationship because of his shrewd and decisive nature
Step 2. Understand the references and allusions in the story
References and allusions help create strong connections by connecting events, characters, or objects in the story to other works or ideas that are familiar to readers. The reference can be obvious (e.g., “As Shakespeare said…”) or subtly conveyed (e.g., the story may be written using a metaphor found in Dickens's Christmas Carol, “Bah, humbug!”).
' For example, "Jeeves Takes Charge" uses Thomas Hood's song The Dream of Eugene Aram (1831) as a reference in the form of an original quote by Bertie. The hymn relates to the theme of murder that Bertie uses to compare the crimes of theft and destruction of his uncle's manuscripts
Step 3. Identify the symbolism and imagery in the story
There are many writers who use symbolism and imagery to convey ideas. Such symbolism involves the use of physical objects or even people to explain an abstract idea (eg a white rose being a symbol of purity or innocence). Imagery refers to the use of words to create mental images that are literal or metaphorical.
For example, at the end of "Jeeves Takes Charge", Bertie tells Jeeves that he can throw away his suit that Jeeves doesn't like. The assistant then said that he had thrown it away. The suit became a symbol of Bertie's power – when Bertie let him be banished, he handed over control of his life to Jeeves (who had held power from the start)
Step 4. Check other literacy devices
A story can use a variety of literacy tools to convey its main ideas and ideas. Consider whether the story being analyzed uses literacy tools such as:
- Foreshadowing, which is a hint given at the beginning of the story to describe the development of the plot in the future.
- Irony, namely the difference between the words and intentions conveyed by a character, or the difference between the goals to be achieved and the final results of his efforts.
- Allegory, which is an event, character, or setting in a story that is intended to reflect a fact or idea.
Step 5. Observe the pattern of story writing
The pattern of writing (tone) refers to the behavior expressed by the author through a story and its characters. Writing patterns are expressed in many ways, including word choice, figures of speech, point of view, and content. As you read, think about the writing pattern you are trying to convey to the reader.
- The pattern of writing the story "Jeeves Takes Charge" is very light and humorous. Wodehouse (the writer) views the events in the story as trivial and ridiculous. He conveys humor through characters and situations with dramatic and classy language and tropes.
- For example, while looking for a way to dispose of her uncle's manuscript, Bertie compares herself to a murderer hiding a corpse.
Step 6. Understand the mood in the story
Mood refers to the feelings that arise in you as a reader when you read the story. The mood in a story is strongly influenced by the writing pattern, but can also be generated by the setting, theme, and language in the story. Think about how you feel when you read a story. Are you laughing? Did you feel sad, angry, or disgusted at one point?
Step 7. Pay attention to the writing style of the story
Writing style usually refers to the language used by the author. For example, a story may use a lot of slang and informal language or use flowery and poetic language. The story may be very long or very short. Style can influence the reader's writing patterns and moods, and it plays an important role in how you view the characters and the plot of the story.
- In the story “Jeeves Takes Charge”, Wodehouse combines formal and poetic Edwardian language with contemporary slang to create a unique and humorous writing style.
- For example: “The sun disappeared behind the hill and the gnats filled the whole place. The air smells so foreign – dew begins to fall, and so on…”
Method 4 of 4: Writing Analysis
Step 1. Begin by creating a thesis statement
This statement is a short summary of your main arguments about a story. Write a sentence or two that describes the outline of your essay. Place this statement at the end of the opening paragraph, which may include basic story information and/or summary instructions for the task at hand.
- For example: “Jeeves Takes Charge,” by P. G. Wodehouse is one of the classic short stories that features Bertie Wooster and his personal assistant, Jeeves as the main characters. Both are iconic figures in mainstream British comedy literature. This story uses humor and dramatic irony to explore themes around power, authority, and the nature of human interpersonal relationships."
- The form and content of the thesis may depend on the assignment given. For example, if you are asked to answer a specific question from a story, make sure your thesis statement answers that question.
Step 2. Draw the overall impression of a story
After analyzing the components of the story, you may get certain impressions and begin to understand them. Pay attention to the outline of the story, then find out what aspects left a deep impression on you. As an example:
- What phrases and word choices have impressed you the most?
- Which character did you like or hate the most, and why?
- What moment in the plot left the deepest impression? Were you surprised by the events that happened in the story?
- How do you feel about the story? Do you like it or hate it? Did you learn anything from him or did the story spark a special feeling in your heart?
Step 3. Explain whether the story was told well
Think critically about the story. There are many criteria that can be used to determine whether a story is well written or effective. For example, you can ask yourself:
- Does this story provoke certain emotions as the writer hoped? Why did this happen/not happen?
- Is the writing style used unique and interesting?
- Does the story feel original?
- Are the characters and plot well developed? Do the actions of the characters in it make sense?
Step 4. Support your argument with evidence
If you make an argument based on a story. It is important to provide specific examples to support this. You can draw on the evidence within the story itself (for example, you can use quotes and paraphrase to support an argument) or look for it from the external context of the story (such as information about the author or similar works from contemporary literature).
- If you argue that Wodehouse intentionally paralleled Jeeves and Florence in "Jeeves Takes Charge," you can support that argument by quoting a sentence that is directly related.
- For example, "Bertie told Jeeves from the start that '…if I'm not careful and break this guy's argument, he's going to start bossing me around. He has the makings of a very dangerous relationship wrecker.' Later, he agreed with the assessment. Jeeves's view of Florence as being obsessive with control and arbitrary, is the very opposite of her own nature.'”
Step 5. Summarize your interpretation of what the author is trying to convey
A simple conclusion from your interpretation of the story is a great way to complete the analysis. Consider what the story behind the main plot is trying to convey. Think about how writers use setting, plot, language, narrative, symbolism, allusions, and other literary elements to create meaning in stories?
