ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JUNE 2025
, ASSIGNMENT 02: SHORT STORIES
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Section A: The Short Story (15 Marks)
1. Distinguishing characteristics of a short story
Three characteristics that help distinguish a short story from a novel are its brevity,
limited character development, and focus on a single event or theme. Firstly, short
stories are concise, usually under 10,000 words, which allows for focused storytelling
and quick resolution. Secondly, they develop fewer characters, often concentrating on
one or two central figures, which enhances the emotional depth in a compact space.
Lastly, short stories typically revolve around one main event or theme, providing a
snapshot of life rather than an expansive narrative. These features are useful to me as
a student because they allow for a deep, analytical reading within a limited time, and
help me focus on central ideas without the distraction of subplots and secondary
characters.
2. Differentiating narrative perspectives
First-person narration uses “I” or “we” and allows readers to experience the story
through a character’s personal lens. For example, “I watched the clouds gather” places
us inside the character’s thoughts. Second-person narration, rarely used, addresses the
reader directly as “you,” making the reader a participant, e.g., “You walk into the room.”
Third-person narration uses “he,” “she,” or “they,” and may be limited or omniscient.
This perspective provides broader insights into characters and events. Understanding
these differences is important because narrative perspective shapes how much the
reader knows, influences emotional connection with characters, and determines the
story’s reliability and depth.
3. Plot elements that drive short stories
The three plot elements that I believe most strongly drive short stories are conflict,
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JUNE 2025
, ASSIGNMENT 02: SHORT STORIES
Due Date: 23 June 2025
Section A: The Short Story (15 Marks)
1. Distinguishing characteristics of a short story
Three characteristics that help distinguish a short story from a novel are its brevity,
limited character development, and focus on a single event or theme. Firstly, short
stories are concise, usually under 10,000 words, which allows for focused storytelling
and quick resolution. Secondly, they develop fewer characters, often concentrating on
one or two central figures, which enhances the emotional depth in a compact space.
Lastly, short stories typically revolve around one main event or theme, providing a
snapshot of life rather than an expansive narrative. These features are useful to me as
a student because they allow for a deep, analytical reading within a limited time, and
help me focus on central ideas without the distraction of subplots and secondary
characters.
2. Differentiating narrative perspectives
First-person narration uses “I” or “we” and allows readers to experience the story
through a character’s personal lens. For example, “I watched the clouds gather” places
us inside the character’s thoughts. Second-person narration, rarely used, addresses the
reader directly as “you,” making the reader a participant, e.g., “You walk into the room.”
Third-person narration uses “he,” “she,” or “they,” and may be limited or omniscient.
This perspective provides broader insights into characters and events. Understanding
these differences is important because narrative perspective shapes how much the
reader knows, influences emotional connection with characters, and determines the
story’s reliability and depth.
3. Plot elements that drive short stories
The three plot elements that I believe most strongly drive short stories are conflict,
