From the short story unit I taught during student teaching
Lit Terms Review: Pre-reading
Motivation – the reason why a character thinks, acts or feels a certain way.
Ex. Laurie in “Charles” – misbehaves because he desires attention
Ex. Narrator of “Tell-Tale Heart” – wants to kill the old man because the vulture-like eye bothers him
Ex. Sakkaro family in “Rain Rain Go Away” – stay out of the rain because they will die if they get wet.
Conflict – struggle between opposing forces
Ex. Sqeaky in “Raymond’s Run” –
man vs. man = she races Gretchen
man vs. self = she is tempted to throw the race
Ex. Ma in “War Party” –
man vs. man = she constantly battles other people for respect. (Mr. Buchanan)
man vs nature = migrants race the elements, can’t pass through the mountains in the winter
Irony – contrast between what is expected and what occurs
Ex. – Mrs. Wright in “Rain Rain Go Away” – is surprised when she finds how clean and normal the Sakkaro’s house is
Ex. – Lauries mother in “Charles” – is shocked to learn that it is her beloved son that is the bad child Charles
Mood – feeling that a literature work conveys to the reader
Ex. – “Tell-Tale Heart” – creepy, spooky, scary feelings felt by its readers = “vulture of an eye,” talk of committing murder, “every night about midnight,” “my thumb slipped upon the tin fastening”
Suspense – feeling of growing tension and excitement
Ex. – “Charles” – Laurie’s stories get his parents excited about meeting Charles’ parents, the suspense comes as the PTA meeting draws near
Ex – “Raymond’s Run” – the whole story readers are told of Sqeaky’s running abilities (she never lost a race), the day of the big race comes, will she win?
Ex – “Rain Rain Go Away” – the Sakkaro’s look at the sky, listen to weather reports, etc. At the picnic they hear of a storm, will they make it home on time?
W.W. Jacobs
English author
Favorite subject is marine life
William Wymark Jacobs
Born in Wapping (wopping), London
At the age of 16 began work as a clerk in the civil service
Around WWI began to adapt his short stories into plays
Wife was a suffragette
158 stories, 5 novels, 2 novellas
Stories took place along London docks
Mother died when he was young
Spent time with siblings at their father’s wharf