THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TWO SOLUTIONS TO
CHOOSE FROM
ENG1501 Assignment 2 (2025)
Student Name: ________________
Student Number: ______________________
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Assignment Title: Short Stories – “Man Lands on
the Moon” by Sindiwe Magona
Declaration
I (full names and surname):_______________________
Student number: _______________ Module: BPT1501
Declare that...
1. I understand what plagiarism entails and am aware of the University’s policy in
this regard.
2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I used someone
else's work, whether a printed source, the internet or any other source, I give
the proper acknowledgement and include a complete reference list.
3. I did not use another current or previous student's work, submitting it as my
own.
4. I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
submitting it as his or her own work.
Signature: _________________ Date: _________________
, Section A: The Short Story
1. Three Characteristics that Distinguish a Short Story from a Novel
One of the key characteristics that distinguish a short story from a novel is
its brevity, which allows it to focus intensively on a single event or idea.
This is helpful to me because it enables a quick but deep engagement with
themes and characters. Secondly, a short story typically has limited
character development, which means it focuses on a few characters whose
traits are revealed swiftly through action or dialogue—this sharpens my
analytical skills by encouraging focused character analysis. Lastly, short
stories usually revolve around a single conflict, unlike novels that often
involve multiple intertwined plots. This clarity of structure allows for a
more direct exploration of the theme and resolution, making it easier for
me to identify and understand the core message of the narrative.
2. Differentiating First-, Second-, and Third-Person Narration
First-person narration uses the pronouns “I” or “we,” showing the story
from the narrator’s perspective and creating intimacy. Second-person
narration addresses the reader directly with “you,” which is rare in
literature and creates a sense of immediacy. Third-person narration uses
“he,” “she,” or “they,” and can be omniscient (all-knowing) or limited
(restricted to one character’s perspective). For example, in first-person, a
narrator might say, “I walked through the quiet street,” showing personal
thoughts and emotions. In contrast, third-person limited would read, “She
walked down the quiet street, wondering about the sound she heard.”
Understanding these perspectives helps me identify the narrator’s bias and
distance from the events.
3. Three Plot Elements That Drive Short Stories
In my view, the three essential plot elements that drive short stories are
conflict, climax, and resolution. Conflict introduces the central struggle—
CHOOSE FROM
ENG1501 Assignment 2 (2025)
Student Name: ________________
Student Number: ______________________
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Assignment Title: Short Stories – “Man Lands on
the Moon” by Sindiwe Magona
Declaration
I (full names and surname):_______________________
Student number: _______________ Module: BPT1501
Declare that...
1. I understand what plagiarism entails and am aware of the University’s policy in
this regard.
2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I used someone
else's work, whether a printed source, the internet or any other source, I give
the proper acknowledgement and include a complete reference list.
3. I did not use another current or previous student's work, submitting it as my
own.
4. I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
submitting it as his or her own work.
Signature: _________________ Date: _________________
, Section A: The Short Story
1. Three Characteristics that Distinguish a Short Story from a Novel
One of the key characteristics that distinguish a short story from a novel is
its brevity, which allows it to focus intensively on a single event or idea.
This is helpful to me because it enables a quick but deep engagement with
themes and characters. Secondly, a short story typically has limited
character development, which means it focuses on a few characters whose
traits are revealed swiftly through action or dialogue—this sharpens my
analytical skills by encouraging focused character analysis. Lastly, short
stories usually revolve around a single conflict, unlike novels that often
involve multiple intertwined plots. This clarity of structure allows for a
more direct exploration of the theme and resolution, making it easier for
me to identify and understand the core message of the narrative.
2. Differentiating First-, Second-, and Third-Person Narration
First-person narration uses the pronouns “I” or “we,” showing the story
from the narrator’s perspective and creating intimacy. Second-person
narration addresses the reader directly with “you,” which is rare in
literature and creates a sense of immediacy. Third-person narration uses
“he,” “she,” or “they,” and can be omniscient (all-knowing) or limited
(restricted to one character’s perspective). For example, in first-person, a
narrator might say, “I walked through the quiet street,” showing personal
thoughts and emotions. In contrast, third-person limited would read, “She
walked down the quiet street, wondering about the sound she heard.”
Understanding these perspectives helps me identify the narrator’s bias and
distance from the events.
3. Three Plot Elements That Drive Short Stories
In my view, the three essential plot elements that drive short stories are
conflict, climax, and resolution. Conflict introduces the central struggle—
