ENG 240 Wk 3 Discussion – Writing a Short Story

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to other students.

Due Thursday

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

What are the makings of a strong short story?

Edgar Allan Poe (famed American short story writer and poet) believed that a good story depended on a “unity of effect.” For Poe, a story was a carefully constructed set of parts that worked together for a common purpose or theme. The more unified a story was, the more successful it was. The parts must work together for the benefit of the whole.

How would you define the elements of a successful short story? Considering essential elements, such as plot, setting, dialogue, and character, what does it mean to say that a short story is successful? Which elements within a short story that are more important than others to a story’s success? Provide some examples.

Due Monday

Reply to at least 2 of your classmates. Be constructive and professional in your responses.