MODULE 2: What is a Novel, Short Story, and Fiction?
Methods in Novel, Short Story, and Fiction Writing, and How to Read and Critique a
Short Story and Fiction?
WORLD LITERATURE
Introduction The lecture will focus on the realm of short story and fiction writing. Writing
about literature is like writing about anything else, it exhibits the same evolution
as writing and critiquing on other subjects. On the other hand, the lecture will
provide discussion on how to criticize a particular literary work.
Lesson Familiarize themselves with the different elements of a short story.
Outcomes Comprehensively discuss the proper method of writing and reading a short
story.
Comprehensively discuss the proper method of critiquing a short story.
Present and deliver informative details of a chosen story (fiction and non-
fiction)
Differentiate fiction from non-fiction
Content What is a Novel, Short Story, and Fiction?
Methods in Novel, Short Story, and Fiction Writing
(1) selecting a topic, (2) gathering the facts, (3) narrowing toward a thesis, (4)
organizing the material, (5) writing a draft, (6) revising the draft, and (7) writing
the final paper.
How to Read and Critique a Short Story and Fiction?
The Novelist’s/ Writers View of Reality- all novelists/ writers are product of a
certain philosophy and social condition. He is not separated to the concrete
hence not living in an alien dimension of fiction like we commonly understand.
Character in the Novel- character/s in a novel is the actualization of the way
how the writer immersed in his material world.
The Novelist’s/ Writers at Work- According to Francois Mauriac, “Every novelist
ought to invent his/her own technique.” But great novelists and writers, after
mastering the craft, are intended to break the mold like what Balzac did.
Description of the Characters- a storyteller is not a painter, he/she must build
the images in the reader’s mind. The mastery of the details, both on concrete
and abstract, will save the writer from the abys of history.
Point of View- this questions the position of the narrator in/of the story.
Plot, Story, Theme- causality of everything. Writing is like living the actual
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living.
Style- in every page and sentence/s and paragraph/s construction, the writer
may apply his/her own unique style.
Background/Biography of the Author/ Writer
Activity and Group Literary Analysis on “The Diary of a Madman” by Nikolai Gogol
Assessment (https://fliphtml5.com/vkpx/dxqz/basic) by applying the lecture on How to Read and
Critique a Short Story, Novel, and Fiction?
(The Novelist’s/ Writers View of Reality, Character/s in the Novel, The
Novelist’s/ Writers at Work, Description of the Characters, Point of View, Plot,
Story, Theme, Style, and Background/Biography of the Author/ Writer
Mechanics: no number of words, write in Arial font, size 12, save in PDF
format, and send to Frontlearners within the official submission period.
References 1. Gogol, Nikolai. The Diary of a Madman: And Other Stories. New York
City: Signet Classics, 1960 (pg. 7-29).
2. Knickerbocker, K.L. et al. Interpreting Literature. Quezon City: JMC
Press Inc. 1985.
3. Lass, Abraham H. A Student’s Guide to 50 European Novels. New York
City: A Kangaroo Book, 1967 (pg. xi-xx)
4. Moffett, James et al. Points of View: An Anthology of Short Stories. New
York City: A Mentor Book, 1966 (pg. 140-162).
5. https://fliphtml5.com/vkpx/dxqz/basic
