A short story is a compact and powerful form of literature. In just a few pages, a great short story can create a vivid world, introduce unforgettable characters, and explore profo
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-16
Introduction
A short story is a compact and powerful form of literature. In just a few pages, a great short story can create a vivid world, introduce unforgettable characters, and explore profound themes about the human experience. Analysing a short story is like being a detective; it involves looking closely at the clues the author has left behind to understand how the story works and what it means. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to the key literary elements you should consider when analysing a short story.
Learning objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
- Identify and define the key elements of a short story: plot, character, setting, narrative perspective, and theme.
- Understand how literary devices like symbolism and imagery contribute to a story's meaning.
- Follow a structured approach to reading and analysing a short story.
- Develop a clear thesis statement about a story's central message.
- Use textual evidence to support your analysis.
Step 1: The First Reading – Get a Feel for the Story
Before you start analysing, simply read the story through once from beginning to end. Don't stop to take notes or look things up. The goal of this first reading is to get a general sense of the story. Pay attention to your own reactions. What emotions does the story evoke? Who are the main characters? What is the basic sequence of events? What is the overall mood or atmosphere? Having a good initial understanding will make your detailed analysis much more effective.
Step 2: Analyse the Plot Structure
The plot is the sequence of events in a story. It's not just what happens, but how and why it happens. Most short stories follow a traditional plot structure, often called Freytag's Pyramid: …