Project: preparing a critique
writing a successful critique is dependent upon preparation. this project will get you oriented.

objectives
construct a working outline for a literary critique.
instructions:
record story information
record this information about the story that either you or your teacher has selected:

title of story
author's full name
if the story appeared in an anthology, note the following information:

editor's name
title of anthology
publisher
copyright date
if the story appeared in a magazine, note the following information:

name of magazine
date of issue
locate author information
look for information about your author. make notes about those items you may wish to use in your review. if you are unable to find any information, report this fact to your teacher.

analyze short story elements
setting
what is the setting of this story?
approximately when did it take place?
has the author made the setting an important element in this story?
note any particularly good descriptions of the setting that you may want to use in your critique.
characters
what is the name of the protagonist in your story?
what are the outstanding physical characteristics of this person?
what are his/her outstanding personality traits?
is there an antagonist? if so, who is it?
what are his/her undesirable personal qualities?
what good or redeeming qualities does this person have, if any?
list and briefly identify any minor characters you want to include in your critique.
plot: write a one- or two-sentence summary of the plot of your story.
theme: write in one sentence the theme or purpose of your story as you understand it and ask your teacher to evaluate it for you.
point of view: from what point of view is this story told?
include literary devices
note outstanding literary devices in the story you chose. they should be items you will want to include in your review.

formulate your opinion
list the main strengths and weaknesses of the story as you see it. these strengths and weaknesses will be points you expect to include in your review and as a basis for your recommendation. you should have at least five items.

include evaluations of strengths and/or weaknesses of:

setting
characters
plot
theme or purpose
point of view
literary style
other elements
write a recommendation
tell whether or not you recommend the story and to whom.

Construct a working outline for a literary critique.

Instructions:

Record Story Information

Record this information about the story that either you or your teacher has selected:

title of story

author's full name

If the story appeared in an anthology, note the following information:

editor's name

title of anthology

publisher

copyright date

If the story appeared in a magazine, note the following information:

name of magazine

date of issue

Locate Author Information

Look for information about your author. Make notes about those items you may wish to use in your review. If you are unable to find any information, report this fact to your teacher.

Analyze Short Story Elements

setting

What is the setting of this story?

Approximately when did it take place?

Has the author made the setting an important element in this story?

Note any particularly good descriptions of the setting that you may want to use in your critique.

characters

What is the name of the protagonist in your story?

What are the outstanding physical characteristics of this person?

What are his/her outstanding personality traits?

Is there an antagonist? If so, who is it?

What are his/her undesirable personal qualities?

What good or redeeming qualities does this person have, if any?

List and briefly identify any minor characters you want to include in your critique.

plot: Write a one- or two-sentence summary of the plot of your story.

theme: Write in one sentence the theme or purpose of your story as you understand it and ask your teacher to evaluate it for you.

point of view: From what point of view is this story told?

Include Literary Devices

Note outstanding literary devices in the story you chose. They should be items you will want to include in your review.

Formulate Your Opinion

List the main strengths and weaknesses of the story as you see it. These strengths and weaknesses will be points you expect to include in your review and as a basis for your recommendation. You should have at least five items.

Include evaluations of strengths and/or weaknesses of:

setting

characters

plot

theme or purpose

point of view

literary style

other elements

Write a Recommendation

Tell whether or not you recommend the story and to whom.

Explanation: The Objectives

Construct a working outline for a literary critique.

Instructions:

Record Story Information

Record this information about the story that either you or your teacher has selected:

title of story

author's full name

If the story appeared in an anthology, note the following information:

editor's name

title of anthology

publisher

copyright date

If the story appeared in a magazine, note the following information:

name of magazine

date of issue

Locate Author Information

Look for information about your author. Make notes about those items you may wish to use in your review. If you are unable to find any information, report this fact to your teacher.

Analyze Short Story Elements

setting

What is the setting of this story?

Approximately when did it take place?

Has the author made the setting an important element in this story?

Note any particularly good descriptions of the setting that you may want to use in your critique.

characters

What is the name of the protagonist in your story?

What are the outstanding physical characteristics of this person?

What are his/her outstanding personality traits?

Is there an antagonist? If so, who is it?

What are his/her undesirable personal qualities?

What good or redeeming qualities does this person have, if any?

List and briefly identify any minor characters you want to include in your critique.

plot: Write a one- or two-sentence summary of the plot of your story.

theme: Write in one sentence the theme or purpose of your story as you understand it and ask your teacher to evaluate it for you.

point of view: From what point of view is this story told?

Include Literary Devices

Note outstanding literary devices in the story you chose. They should be items you will want to include in your review.

Formulate Your Opinion

List the main strengths and weaknesses of the story as you see it. These strengths and weaknesses will be points you expect to include in your review and as a basis for your recommendation. You should have at least five items.

Include evaluations of strengths and/or weaknesses of:

setting

characters

plot

theme or purpose

point of view

literary style

other elements

Write a Recommendation

Tell whether or not you recommend the story and to whom.

Explanation: The Objectives

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