ENG1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JUNE 2025
, SECTION A: The Short Story (Unit 3)
1. Three Characteristics That Distinguish a Short Story from a Novel
Short stories differ from novels in several key ways, but the three most helpful
characteristics for me are brevity, concentration, and single effect. First, brevity
refers to the length of the narrative—short stories are concise and aim to deliver
meaning within a few pages, making them more accessible. Second, concentration
refers to the focus on one main conflict or theme, unlike novels which often explore
multiple storylines. This concentration helps me understand the central message more
clearly. Third, Edgar Allan Poe’s idea of the “single effect” means the story aims to
evoke one strong emotional response. This is useful because it allows me to experience
a powerful emotional impact in a short amount of time. These characteristics make short
stories ideal for learning focused storytelling.
2. Differentiating First-, Second-, and Third-Person Narration
Narrative perspective determines how a story is told. First-person narration uses
pronouns like “I” and “we,” and allows readers to experience events through the
narrator’s eyes. Second-person narration uses “you,” directly addressing the reader,
which is rare and often experimental. Third-person narration uses “he,” “she,” or
“they,” and may be limited (focused on one character) or omniscient (all-knowing). After
studying Unit 3, I now recognize that first-person makes the story feel more personal
and emotional, while third-person allows for broader insight into multiple characters and
events. Second-person is engaging but creates distance due to its unusual tone.
Knowing these differences helps me better understand character development and
author intention.
3. Three Plot Elements That Drive Short Stories
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JUNE 2025
, SECTION A: The Short Story (Unit 3)
1. Three Characteristics That Distinguish a Short Story from a Novel
Short stories differ from novels in several key ways, but the three most helpful
characteristics for me are brevity, concentration, and single effect. First, brevity
refers to the length of the narrative—short stories are concise and aim to deliver
meaning within a few pages, making them more accessible. Second, concentration
refers to the focus on one main conflict or theme, unlike novels which often explore
multiple storylines. This concentration helps me understand the central message more
clearly. Third, Edgar Allan Poe’s idea of the “single effect” means the story aims to
evoke one strong emotional response. This is useful because it allows me to experience
a powerful emotional impact in a short amount of time. These characteristics make short
stories ideal for learning focused storytelling.
2. Differentiating First-, Second-, and Third-Person Narration
Narrative perspective determines how a story is told. First-person narration uses
pronouns like “I” and “we,” and allows readers to experience events through the
narrator’s eyes. Second-person narration uses “you,” directly addressing the reader,
which is rare and often experimental. Third-person narration uses “he,” “she,” or
“they,” and may be limited (focused on one character) or omniscient (all-knowing). After
studying Unit 3, I now recognize that first-person makes the story feel more personal
and emotional, while third-person allows for broader insight into multiple characters and
events. Second-person is engaging but creates distance due to its unusual tone.
Knowing these differences helps me better understand character development and
author intention.
3. Three Plot Elements That Drive Short Stories
