ENG1501
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, SECTION A: THE SHORT STORY (UNIT 3)
1.
One of the most helpful characteristics that distinguishes a short story from a novel is
that it can be read in one sitting. This is important for me as a student because I
often have limited time for personal reading. Being able to read a complete narrative
from beginning to end in a short amount of time allows me to fully engage with the
story without needing to remember details across multiple days. Another useful
feature is that short stories usually focus on one main event or plot point. This helps
me concentrate better on the theme or message the author is trying to communicate
without being distracted by subplots or unnecessary complications. It allows me to
analyse the story more effectively and reflect on the characters and their actions in a
focused way. Lastly, the limited number of characters in short stories makes it easier
to follow the relationships and character development. Unlike novels, where many
characters can confuse the reader, short stories allow a deeper understanding of the
few individuals presented. These three characteristics—brevity, plot focus, and a
small cast of characters—make short stories accessible and educational for
developing my literary analysis skills.
2.
After studying Unit 3 of the short story section, I can now clearly differentiate
between first-, second-, and third-person narration by focusing on the narrator‘s
perspective and the pronouns they use. First-person narration is when the story is
told by a character who is part of the events. This narrator uses personal pronouns
like ―I,‖ ―me,‖ ―my,‖ and ―mine.‖ An example is found in „I Will Not Apologise!‟, where
Bonita tells the story from her own point of view. Second-person narration is rare in
fiction. In this form, the narrator speaks directly to the reader as ―you,‖ making the
reader feel involved in the story. This style gives a more personal and direct tone,
though it‘s not commonly used in the short stories from Unit 3. Third-person
narration, on the other hand, is when the narrator stands outside the events of the
story and refers to characters using ―he,‖ ―she,‖ ―they,‖ or ―them.‖ In „Sethunya Likes
Girls Better‟, the story is told in third person, giving readers access mainly to
Sethunya‘s thoughts, which makes it third-person limited. Understanding narration
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, SECTION A: THE SHORT STORY (UNIT 3)
1.
One of the most helpful characteristics that distinguishes a short story from a novel is
that it can be read in one sitting. This is important for me as a student because I
often have limited time for personal reading. Being able to read a complete narrative
from beginning to end in a short amount of time allows me to fully engage with the
story without needing to remember details across multiple days. Another useful
feature is that short stories usually focus on one main event or plot point. This helps
me concentrate better on the theme or message the author is trying to communicate
without being distracted by subplots or unnecessary complications. It allows me to
analyse the story more effectively and reflect on the characters and their actions in a
focused way. Lastly, the limited number of characters in short stories makes it easier
to follow the relationships and character development. Unlike novels, where many
characters can confuse the reader, short stories allow a deeper understanding of the
few individuals presented. These three characteristics—brevity, plot focus, and a
small cast of characters—make short stories accessible and educational for
developing my literary analysis skills.
2.
After studying Unit 3 of the short story section, I can now clearly differentiate
between first-, second-, and third-person narration by focusing on the narrator‘s
perspective and the pronouns they use. First-person narration is when the story is
told by a character who is part of the events. This narrator uses personal pronouns
like ―I,‖ ―me,‖ ―my,‖ and ―mine.‖ An example is found in „I Will Not Apologise!‟, where
Bonita tells the story from her own point of view. Second-person narration is rare in
fiction. In this form, the narrator speaks directly to the reader as ―you,‖ making the
reader feel involved in the story. This style gives a more personal and direct tone,
though it‘s not commonly used in the short stories from Unit 3. Third-person
narration, on the other hand, is when the narrator stands outside the events of the
story and refers to characters using ―he,‖ ―she,‖ ―they,‖ or ―them.‖ In „Sethunya Likes
Girls Better‟, the story is told in third person, giving readers access mainly to
Sethunya‘s thoughts, which makes it third-person limited. Understanding narration
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
