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ENG1501 ASSIGNMENT 03
2024
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, Section A: Reflective essay: The Short Story (Unit 3)
Unit 3 of our study guide, focusing on the short story, was a profoundly enriching
experience, resonating deeply with my personal experiences and offering new
insights into this literary form. I have always liked fiction as books are valuable
opportunities to travel to other worlds and think of people. Before this module, I have
read short stories however I had underestimated them as forms of writing and had
not realized just how rich and layered they are as a genre. One of my favourite short
stories is “The Suitcase” by Es’kia Mphahlele. I have always been interested in this
story due to its realistic representation of human emotions and societal problems.
The way Mphahlele conveys big concepts with mini stories is simply inspiring.
The section on Setting in Unit 3 caught my attention.
"An author always has to position her or his characters in a specific space and at a particular
moment in time. Where and when the characters exist have an impact on the choices they
make as well as on the options available to them in the story. We call this element of fiction
the setting." (page 43)
This passage highlights the crucial role of setting in shaping characters and plot
developments in short stories. It emphasizes how the environment in which
characters operate influences their behaviour and decisions. By focusing on setting,
readers gain deeper insights into the socio-cultural context of the narrative,
enhancing their understanding of character motivations and thematic elements. The
subsequent analysis of "I Could Have Loved Gold" by Maureen Isaacson provides a
concrete example of how setting contributes to character portrayal and thematic
resonance.
The exploration of Sophiatown's historical significance adds layers of complexity to
the story's setting, demonstrating how real-world contexts intersect with fictional
narratives. Overall, this section offers valuable insights into the interplay between
setting, character, and theme in short stories, enriching the reading experience and
encouraging critical engagement with the text.