Diagnostic Essay

Diagnostic essay

To create a short story accompanied with a lasting impression, there needs to be a few key features included. A clear theme is important because it makes it understandable for the reader and gives the story a sense of completion when it has finished. Good plot lines are a necessity; in the fact that it keeps the audience engaged and intrigued. Strong characterization helps establish relatable connections between characters and reader and enables the reader to feel the emotions of the story. All of these features are equally important in bringing together a successful story.

In the short story, “Royal Beating” by Alice Munro, the theme was lacking in clarity. While it was a well-written story with good descriptive language, it did not have a strong theme. To be able to identify the theme easily is an important aspect of the short story. While that story might have been excellent, the absence of the theme it made it hard to understand. A sense of completion was missing when the story ended. A strong, universal theme is a key point to have in a short story.

Strong plot lines are essential to a successful short story because it attracts the interest of the readers. Even with the best theme and amazing characterization, without a gripping plot line you might as well have nothing. The plot is the deciding factor whether or not the reader continues; without capturing their attention, they will not read it. “The Yellow Wallpaper”, written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is a compelling story of a woman losing her mind to insanity. Drawn in from the very beginning, readers are curious as to what will happen with our main character. A strong, engrossing plot line goes a long way in bringing a story to success.

A great joy when reading a story is being able to relate with any of the characters. To accomplish this for the readers, the author needs to convey strong characterization. When James Baldwin wrote, “Sonny’s Blues”, it is apparent that he put a lot...