SHORTSTORY_ENG4U_UNIT_PLAN

COURSE CODE COURSE Grade LESSON TITLE

INSTRUCTOR
ENG4U Asma Tariq 12 Short Story Writing
ENGLISH

Unit Duration:
20 hours (including in-class discussions, individual study and reflections )
Unit Overview:
This unit introduces students to the world of short fiction, with a focus on the key
elements that define the genre. Students will engage in a close analysis of works by
renowned authors, including James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Edgar Allan Poe.
The unit will cover various themes, structures, and styles found in short stories, from
modernist to Gothic fiction. By the end of the unit, students will be able to identify and
analyze the core elements of short stories and their significance in literature.
Unit Objectives:
 Understand the definition, structure, and elements of short stories.
 Analyze short stories by James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Edgar Allan
Poe.
 Explore key literary concepts such as plot, theme, character, and narrative
perspective.
 Develop analytical skills through a psychoanalytic lens, particularly in the works
of Edgar Allan Poe.
 Compare and contrast different short story genres, such as Gothic and Modernist
fiction.
 Engage in discussions and presentations to demonstrate comprehension of
thematic and structural elements in short fiction.
Overall Expectations:
Literary Knowledge:
Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and elements of short stories.
Develop familiarity with key short stories in the Gothic and Modernist
traditions.
Identify and explain the influence of social, historical, and biographical
contexts on the works studied.
Literary Analysis:
Analyze short stories by applying literary theories (e.g., psychoanalytic
criticism).
Examine how authors use literary techniques (e.g., unreliable narration,
stream-of-consciousness) to develop themes and characters.
Critical Thinking:
Engage critically with texts, developing well-supported interpretations and
arguments.
Explore themes of internal conflict, identity, guilt, and social pressures within
the stories.
Communication and Presentation:
Effectively communicate literary analysis through essays, reflections, and
presentations.
Engage in class discussions and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Learning Goals:
Develop Understanding of Short Stories:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the short story form and its
conventions.
Analyze Thematic and Stylistic Elements:
 Explore key themes such as guilt, escape, social constraints, and inner
conflict through the lens of Gothic and Modernist fiction.
Application of Literary Theory:
Apply psychoanalytic theory to interpret characters' motivations and
psychological states in Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
Foster Comparative Literary Skills:
Compare different authors' approaches to storytelling and genre, focusing on
Joyce, Poe, and Mansfield.
Enhance Communication Skills:
Build skills in both oral and written communication by articulating clear,
supported literary arguments.
Success Criteria for Short Story Unit:
Understanding Short Story Elements:
Identify key elements of short stories, including plot, character, theme, setting,
and structure.
Recognize the unique characteristics of Gothic and Modernist short fiction.
Literary Analysis Skills:
Demonstrate the ability to analyze themes, character motivations, and
narrative techniques in short stories.
Apply psychoanalytic theory to analyze the psychological dimensions of
Edgar Allan Poe’s works.
Comparative Analysis:
Compare and contrast different short story genres (Gothic vs. Modernist) and
authors' writing styles (Poe, Joyce, Mansfield).
Provide evidence-based analysis in written and oral presentations.
Understanding Authors and Context:
Understand the historical, social, and personal contexts of James Joyce,
Edgar Allan Poe, and Katherine Mansfield, and how these influenced their
writing.
Explore how authors use literary techniques to create mood and meaning.
 Critical Thinking and Communication:
Engage in meaningful discussions and debates about the stories.
Present well-structured written essays and oral presentations showcasing
understanding of themes, techniques, and narrative choices.

Unit Content Outline:

Introduction to Short Stories (4 Hours)
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Elements of Short Stories
 What defines a short story?
 Overview of key elements: plot, character, setting, theme, conflict,
narrative style, and structure.
 Discussion of how short stories differ from novels.
 In-Class Activity: Identification of elements in a familiar short story.
 Assignments: Brief reflection on what makes a short story impactful.
Introduction to James Joyce and "Eveline"
 Background on James Joyce: Life, Modernist literature, and his impact
on fiction.
 Reading and initial discussion of “Eveline.”
 Key themes: duty, paralysis, escape, and familial conflict.
 In-Class Activity: Group discussion on how Joyce portrays inner
conflict.
 Assignments: Analyze how Joyce uses setting and character to reflect
Eveline's emotional state.
Lesson 2: Exploring Gothic Fiction and Edgar Allan Poe (4 Hours)
Introduction to Gothic Fiction and Edgar Allan Poe
 Characteristics of Gothic fiction: mystery, horror, the supernatural, and
psychological complexity.
 Background on Edgar Allan Poe: Life, struggles, and his influence on
American Gothic literature.
 Overview of Gothic themes in Poe's work.
 In-Class Activity: Identify Gothic elements in Poe's biography and how
they influenced his writing.
Analyzing "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe
 Reading and discussion of Poe’s “The Black Cat.”
 Exploration of key themes: guilt, madness, the supernatural, and the unreliable
narrator.
 Video Analysis: Compare a summarizing song of the story and an animated
adaptation.
 Assignments: Reflection comparing the visual interpretation with the text.

Lesson 3: Psychoanalysis and Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Tell-Tale Heart" (4 Hours)
Psychoanalytic Theory in Literature
 Introduction to Freudian concepts: id, ego, superego, repression, and
the unconscious mind.
 How these concepts apply to literary analysis.
 Overview of psychoanalysis as a critical approach to fiction.
 In-Class Activity: Discuss examples of repression in literature.
Psychoanalytic Analysis of "The Tell-Tale Heart"
 Reading and analysis of “The Tell-Tale Heart” through a
psychoanalytic lens.
 Focus on the narrator’s mental state, guilt, and paranoia.
 In-Class Activity: Group analysis of the narrator's psyche and
motivations.
 Assignments: Write an essay analyzing the narrator’s descent into
madness using psychoanalytic theory.
Unit Review and Final Assessment (4 Hours)
Review and Comparative Analysis
 Group discussion: Compare Gothic and Modernist short stories
studied.
 Recap of the themes, styles, and techniques of Joyce, Poe, and
Mansfield.
 In-Class Activity: Comparative essay planning – students will choose
two stories to compare in terms of themes, narrative techniques, or
character development.
 Final assessment and Oral Presentations
 Students will submit their final comparative essays.
 Oral presentations: Each student presents a brief analysis of one story
studied, highlighting key themes and stylistic elements.
 In-Class Activity: Peer feedback on presentations.
Unit Test:
The Unit Test will be a comprehensive assessment of students' knowledge and
understanding of the key elements of short stories, with a focus on the specific
works studied during the unit. The test will assess students' analytical and critical
thinking skills, as well as their ability to apply literary theory and compare the
works of different authors.
The Unit Test will include:
 Multiple-Choice Questions (20% of test): Focus on key elements of short stories
(plot, character, theme, setting, and structure), specific details from the stories
(Eveline, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat), and general knowledge of Gothic
and Modernist fiction.
 Short-Answer Questions (30% of test): Students will provide brief analyses of
themes, character motivations, and Gothic elements in the stories studied. They
may be asked to explain how Poe's personal life influenced his writing or how
Joyce uses narrative techniques in Eveline.
 Literary Analysis Essay (50% of test): This section will require a deeper analysis
of one or more of the stories studied. Students will choose from several prompts,
which could include:
A comparative analysis of Gothic and Modernist elements in The Black Cat and
Eveline.
A psychoanalytic analysis of the narrator’s mental state in The Tell-Tale Heart.
An exploration of themes of paralysis and escape in Eveline.
Evaluation Criteria for the Essay:
 Understanding and application of literary terms and theories.
 Depth of analysis of themes, character motivations, and narrative structure.
 Clarity of argument, coherence, and organization.
 Proper use of textual evidence to support claims.
 Grammar, spelling, and syntax.
The Unit Test will assess students’ overall understanding of short stories, their ability to
engage with literary analysis, and their communication skills.
Assessment and Evaluation Tools for Success: Short Story Unit
1. PowerPoint Presentation:
Review the slides on the elements of short stories throughout the unit,
including plot, character, setting, theme, style, and narrative techniques.
Specific focus will be given to the works of James Joyce, Katherine
Mansfield, and Edgar Allan Poe, analyzing their contributions to short
fiction.
2. Video:
Watch the videos provided for each story, which offer insights into the
themes, characters, and narrative techniques used in key works such as
"Eveline" by James Joyce, "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe, and
others. These videos will help reinforce your understanding of the literary
techniques used by these authors.
3. Reading Material:
Study supplementary materials, including critical analyses and discussions
of the short stories covered in the unit. Focus on understanding the
themes, character motivations, and stylistic features that define these
stories. Pay particular attention to stories like “Eveline,” “The Black Cat,”
and “A Doll’s House,” along with their cultural and historical contexts.
4. AFL (Assessment for Learning):
Complete AFL worksheets for each short story in the unit to evaluate
your understanding of the key elements of short fiction, including plot
structure, characterization, and thematic development. Each worksheet
will focus on a different story and author, such as James Joyce’s "Eveline"
and Poe’s "The Black Cat." (10 points)
5. ASL (Assessment as Learning):
Engage in self-assessment exercises to reflect on your strengths and
areas for improvement in analyzing short stories. Consider how each
author’s style, themes, and personal experiences shape their work,
particularly in stories like "Eveline" and "The Black Cat." (10 points)
6. Online Quizzes:
Take online quiz for unit - 2 throughout the unit to test your knowledge of
the components of short stories, literary terminology, and the key
elements of the works discussed. Quizzes will cover various authors,
 including James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Edgar Allan Poe. Each
quiz will be worth (20 points).
7. Essay and Story Analysis:
Write analytical essays or responses for selected stories, such as
“Eveline” and “The Black Cat.” These will be assessed based on your
understanding of narrative structure, thematic exploration, character
development, and use of literary techniques.
8. Oral Presentation:
Participate in oral presentations where you will present your analysis of a
specific short story to the class, focusing on key literary elements and the
author’s style. This will assess your ability to communicate your
interpretation clearly and coherently.
9. Unit Test:
At the end of the unit, there will be a comprehensive unit test to evaluate
your understanding of the short stories discussed. The test will include
multiple-choice questions, short answers, and an essay component,
assessing your grasp of literary terminology, key themes, and narrative
techniques across the works of James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and
Edgar Allan Poe. The unit test will be worth 10 points.
By actively engaging in these assessment tools, you will develop a deeper
understanding and appreciation of short stories as a literary form and enhance your
analytical skills, especially in examining the contributions of key authors in the genre.
Resources:
Primary Texts:
“Eveline” by James Joyce
“The Black Cat” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe
Short stories by Katherine Mansfield (e.g., “The Garden Party” or “Miss Brill”)

Supplementary Materials:
 PowerPoint presentations on literary theory and genre analysis
Videos summarizing and analyzing Gothic and Modernist fiction
Critical essays and articles on Poe, Joyce, and Mansfield
Unreserved Online Radio
Unit Reflection:
This unit aims to foster an appreciation for the short story as a literary form. By the end
of the unit, students will be equipped with the skills to analyze and discuss key elements
of fiction in different genres, providing them with a deeper understanding of both Gothic
and Modernist literature.
Learning Outcomes for the Short Story Unit
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify Key Elements of Short Stories:
Define and explain the key elements of short stories, including plot, character,
setting, theme, and style.
Differentiate between various types of short stories and their respective
characteristics.
2. Analyze Literary Works:
Conduct a detailed analysis of selected short stories, focusing on the works of
James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, and Edgar Allan Poe.
Identify and discuss the thematic elements, character motivations, and
narrative techniques used in these authors' works.
3. Understand Historical and Cultural Contexts:
Recognize the historical and cultural contexts that influenced the authors and
their writing styles.
Explore how the authors' personal experiences shaped the themes and
characters in their stories.

4. Apply Literary Terminology:

 Use appropriate literary terminology to discuss and critique short stories.
Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts such as Gothic fiction,
modernism, and narrative perspective.
5. Develop Critical Thinking Skills:
Engage in critical discussions about the themes and techniques employed in
the stories, drawing connections between the texts and broader societal
issues.
Reflect on and evaluate their own interpretations of the texts and the
perspectives of their peers.
6. Write Analytical Essays:
Craft coherent and well-structured analytical essays that effectively analyze
short stories, utilizing evidence from the texts to support their arguments.
Demonstrate an understanding of essay structure, including thesis
statements, topic sentences, and coherent arguments.
7. Participate in Collaborative Learning:
Collaborate effectively with peers in group discussions and presentations,
sharing insights and feedback on literary analyses.
Respectfully engage with differing interpretations and perspectives in
classroom discussions.
8. Demonstrate Presentation Skills:
Present analyses of selected short stories to the class, articulating their
understanding of the literary elements and thematic concerns.
Use effective communication skills to convey their analyses and engage the
audience.
9. Prepare for Assessments:
Prepare for and perform well in quizzes, assignments, and the unit test by
demonstrating knowledge of the short stories studied and their literary
significance.
 10. Enhance Appreciation for Literature:
Cultivate a deeper appreciation for the complexity and artistry of short fiction,
recognizing its impact on readers and society.
These learning outcomes will ensure that students develop a comprehensive
understanding of short stories as a literary form, while also honing their analytical and
critical thinking skills throughout the unit.

Dear student, your assessments will be checked by following the rubric criteria given
below.

Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Categories (Below (50%-59%) (60%-69%) (70%-79%) (80%-
50%) 100%)

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