English FAL Study Guide for Literature Grade 12: Short Stories 2011

INTRODUCTION

HOW TO APPROACH A SHORT STORY

·      What Happens? (Plot; Conflict)

·      Who? (Character vs. Characters)

·      Where and When? (Setting)

·      How? (Style; Point of View; Dialogue)

·      Why? (Themes)

KEY ELEMENTS OF A SHORT STORY

·       The Importance of Title

·      Author’s Intentions

·       Economy or Brevity (The Plot; Setting; Style)

ASSESSMENT

·       Contextual Questions

·       Essay Questions

·       Study Format for Learners

GLOSSARY

DISCUSSION OF THE SHORT STORIES:

1. Manhood – John Wain  

2. The Luncheon – W. Somerset Maugham

3. The Soft Voice of the Serpent – Nadine Gordimer

4. Relatives – Chris van Wyk

5. The Coffee-cart Girl – Es’kia Mphahlele

6. The Dube Train – Can Themba

7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – James Thurber

8. The Sisters – Pauline Smith

Outline; Vocabulary; Discussion; Themes; Question; Suggested Answer of each