Literary Analysis – 1-2pages
in this case, in the short story “Why Don’t You Dance?” from the collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver. You’ll focus on six elements, and for each one, write a 5-7 sentence analysis.
Below is a list of the elements along with suggestions of what to cover for each element:
- Plot/Structure Describe the plot of the story. Avoid making comments or interpretations about behavior and actions by the characters, just stick with describing what happens in the story. Are there other stories you know of that is similar to the plot of this story?
- Point of View Who is telling this story, a first person or third person narrator? How would you characterize this narrator?
- Characters List and describe the primary characters of the story. Focus on specific details about each character, such as certain behaviors and/or things they say.
- Setting What did you find unique or interesting about the setting of this story? What caught your attention? How does the setting add to the story?
- Imagery Were there images or symbols in the story that appears repeatedly? Do you think there is any significance or importance to the repeated image?
- Theme With regards to the topic of love and relationships, what do you think this story is saying about love and relationships?
