Introduction to Short Stories Essential Question

*Biography taken from: http://chekhov2.tripod.com/

1860 - 1904

Vocabulary

• Rubles: the basic unit of money of Russia
• Stake: something that you could win or lose in a game, contest, etc.
• Haphazardly: having no plan, order, or direction
• Contempt: a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval
• Emitted: produced or released
• Lackadaisical: careless and lazy
• Stealthy: secretly, below the radar
• Prominent: noticeable or famous

Factual vs. Interpretive Questions

Factual Questions

• Have only ONE correct answer
• Address only ONE specific part of the story

Interpretive Questions

• Have MORE THAN ONE possible answer
• Apply to MORE THAN ONE part of the story

Practice:

• Does the lawyer stay for the entire 15 years?
• Why did the lawyer leave 5 minutes early?

Motive

• The reason a character takes a specific course of action.
• Not all motives are bad.
• Some motives can help lead the character to a resolution.

Story Elements to focus on…

• Falling action - How does the author wrap up our questions about the lawyer’s action? Does the author’s explanations satisfy you?
• Motive/conflict - What was the conflict in the beginning and what was the lawyer’s motive for leaving early?
• Suspense - What is the question the reader has throughout the story? How is finally answered?

“Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe

Poe was born in Boston. He was a poet, writer, editor, and literary critic. His short stories were his main type of writing, and today they are considered some of the best American short stories in history. His tales usually are a mix of mystery and macabre (grim and dealing with death).