Question: Step One: Finding a Topic

• Choose to write on one of the following stories.

• Choose to focus on one of the literary elements: character, setting, plot, point of view, tone, irony, symbol, theme, or style. The story should lend itself to the element you have chosen.

Step Two: Prewriting

As you probe the story from beginning to end, focusing on that one element, use the prewriting sheet related to your element as a guide, as well as the questions in the textbook. This probing will lead you to your thesis (what you discover about that element in relation to the piece). Once you have pulled the details out of the story, you should be able to draw interesting conclusions.

1. Step Three: Drafting

• Move from the prewriting to a draft with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• See the short story paper guide.