Teaching Shortstories in English Literature

Teaching Shortstories in English Literature

1. Teaching Prose Appreciation of English Literary Texts G.C.E. O/L Ms. Mithila Weerasinghe Regional English Support Centre - Kurunegala

2. Significance of Prose in Literature 1. Versatility and Range Prose accommodates a wide variety of genres and forms. N ovels, short stories, essays, biographies, memoirs, speeches and journalistic articles. This versatility allows writers to explore and express an extensive range of human experiences, ideas, and emotions Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 2

3. 3. Narrative Power Prose excels in storytelling. It provides a framework for developing complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed settings. A uthors can create immersive worlds and convey elaborate narratives that capture readers' imaginations and emotions. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 3

4. 3. Flexibility in Style and Tone Prose offers great flexibility in style and tone It enables writers to adopt various voices and perspectives. T he reflective tone of a memoir, the objective style of a scientific essay, or the playful narrative of a children's book, etc. It uses several types of narrative perspectives , First-person point of view Second-person point of view Third person point of view (omniscient/limited-narrative distance/objective - like a camera lens unbiased/detached - just reports) Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 4

5. 4. Cultural and Historical Significance Prose literature often reflects and shapes cultural and historical contexts. R eaders gain insights into the social, political, and cultural milieus of different eras and societies. Prose preserves the collective memory and intellectual heritage of humanity. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 5

6. 5. Emotional and Intellectual Engagement Prose can deeply engage both the emotions and intellect of readers. Well-crafted prose can evoke strong emotional responses, provoke thought, and inspire change. It bridges the gap between the writer's intentions and the reader's interpretations, creating a meaningful exchange of ideas and feelings. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 6

7. Understanding the Difference Between Novels and Short Stories B oth novels and short stories are beloved forms of prose fiction but differ significantly in several aspects. T hey offer very different reading experiences Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 7

8. A novel is a long narrative work of fiction that involves complex characters, detailed plots, and multiple subplots A short story is a brief narrative work of fiction that focuses on a single incident or character Novels are longer, allowing for extensive character and plot development. Short stories are shorter, focusing on specific moments. Multiple characters with in-depth backgrounds A few characters with minimal backgrounds. Complex plots with multiple subplots Simple plot, often with a twist or poignant moment Explores multiple themes in-depth. Focuses on one main theme Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 8

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11. G.C.E. (O/L) Syllabus Short stories -The Lumber Room / The Nightingale and the Rose A memoir - an extract from Wave A speech - The Lahore Attack Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 11

12. The Nightingale and the Rose by Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and author known for his sharp wit and criticism of Victorian society. Strict social norms and significant industrial and scientific advancements characterised the Victorian Era (1837-1901) Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 12

13. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and economic growth Social changes – Class structure The Industrial Revolution created a distinct working class, an affluent middle class, and an aristocratic upper class. Morality and Values –influenced by Queen Victoria, the Christian Church Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 13

14. Wilde often critiqued the hypocrisy and superficiality of Victorian society in his works ‘The Nightingale and the Rose' is a poignant critique of the superficial nature of human emotions and the societal values of his time. It remains a timeless tale of love and sacrifice. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 14

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16. The nightingale’s power of sacrifice is useless in the materialistic human society.   The red rose created out of genuine love by the nightingale who wished for a genuine love relationship between the student and the professor’s daughter crushed under a cartwheel reflects the futility of sacrifice in this context.   The entire short story is an ironic comment on the materialistic society. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 16

17. The student claims to be deeply in love and, this inspires the Nightingale to sacrifice her life for true love. His desire for physical togetherness and dance over the emotional feelings of love suggests his naivety and superficiality. He is an attention seeker who enjoys the sense of stepping into the aristocracy by dancing with the professor's daughter. His infatuation is not genuine love, as he easily forgets her when she rejects him. Embracing utilitarianism, he concludes that love is not useful or beneficial to him, unlike philosophy. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 17

18. The professor’s daughter – Aristocracy Her eventual choice to attend the Prince's ball with a wealthy suitor rather than the poor student further underscores her class vanity. The professor's daughter embodies the values and attitudes associated with the upper class in Wilde’s time, serving as a critique of the superficiality and materialism of the aristocracy.   Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 18

19. The nightingale embodies ideal love, a pure sentiment not found in the corrupted human world. Sincere but naive, the nightingale fails to recognize human superficiality. Though virtuous and generous enough to sacrifice for true love, such idealism is ultimately useless in a materialistic society. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 19

20. True love and sacrifice : The story explores the theme of love and the sacrifices one may make for it. The nightingale sacrifices its life to help the young student achieve his romantic goals, highlighting the depth of selflessness in love. Idealism vs. Reality : Wilde contrasts the idealistic nature of love with the harsh realities of the world. The nightingale believes in the purity and power of love, but its efforts are met with indifference and practicality by the professor's daughter and the materialistic society she represents. Superficiality and materialism in Victorian Society : The story critiques the superficial values of society, where material wealth and social status often take precedence over genuine emotions and meaningful connections. The uselessness of the factual education Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 20

21. “Why, I don’t believe you have even got silver buckles to your shoes as the Chamberlain’s nephew has;” From which texts are these lines taken? Who is the author? Who speaks these lines? What is the tone of the speaker? Comment on the qualities of the speaker. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 21

22. How does Oscar Wilde use the character of the Nightingale to explore themes of love and sacrifice in "The Nightingale and the Rose"? What is the significance of the Nightingale's ultimate fate? Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 22

23. The Lumber Room –Saki /H.H. Munro Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 23

24. Saki (Hector Hugh Munro)-1870 K nown for his witty, mischievous, and sometimes darkly satirical stories. His works often critiqued the societal norms and values of his time. The character of the aunt in "The Lumber Room" reflects his critique of oppressive and unimaginative authority figures. Edwardian Literature : O ften explored themes of social change, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the complexities of human nature. Saki's work is a part of this literary context, blending humour, irony, and satire to critique societal norms. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 24

25. Edwardian Era (1901-1910) Period : The story is set during the Edwardian era, named after King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910. This period extended into the early 20th century, slightly beyond Edward's death. Society and Class : British society was highly stratified with a rigid class system. The upper and middle classes often had domestic servants, and children from these classes were expected to adhere to strict social norms and etiquette. Childhood and Education : Attitudes towards children and their education were quite strict. The era emphasized discipline, obedience, and the moral instruction of children. Child-rearing practices were authoritarian, and children were expected to be seen and not heard. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 25

26. Critique of Authority : "The Lumber Room" critiques the oppressive and unimaginative nature of authority figures like the aunt, reflecting Saki's experiences and broader societal observations. Celebration of Imagination : The story celebrates the power of imagination and curiosity, contrasting it with the dull conformity imposed by societal expectations. Reflection of Edwardian Society : The story offers a snapshot of Edwardian society, highlighting the strict social norms, class distinctions, and the treatment of children during this period. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 26

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28. The Lumber Room The story highlights the conflict between the creativity and curiosity of childhood and the rigid rules of adulthood. T he initial behaviour of the boy and the punishment given to him.    Nicholas does not show the expected ‘obedience’. Most children may obey the adults but more intelligent/inquisitive children may question The limited adult view of the world is challenged. The child exhibits an expansive and imaginative outlook. Her punishment is useless   Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 28

29. Adults are dull and monotonous /traditional - wholesome bread and milk /falling from grace /sinned They are dull-witted - Failed Jagborough excursion They are not wiser/better - the aunt guarding the entrances to the gooseberry garden traditional/outdated - They use wrong punitive methods/child-rearing methods They exploit religion to instill fear - the Evil One They are liars - strawberry jam Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 29

30. How the aunt uses the power vs. how Nicholas uses the power. A criticism of the Edwardian society/ Victorian attitudes toward children. The aunt as an agent of Edwardian society deserves the reader’s sympathy Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 30

31. Themes of Rebellion and Imagination Rebellion Against Authority : The story portrays a young boy, Nicholas, who rebels against the strict and oppressive authority of his aunt. This reflects a broader critique of the authoritarian nature of Edwardian society and its treatment of children. Imagination vs. Conformity : The lumber room, filled with curious and intriguing objects, symbolizes the richness of imagination and curiosity. In contrast, the aunt's rigid and unimaginative approach to life represents the conformity expected by society. Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 31

32. “He told you twice, but you weren’t listening. You often don’t listen when we tell you important things” a) From which texts are these lines taken/ Who is the author? b) Who says these words? c)What is the context? d) What features of ‘you’ are suggested by these lines? Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 32

33. In "The Lumber Room," how does Saki contrast the imagination of children with the rigidity of adult perspectives? Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 33

34. Expected Learning Outcomes Reads literary texts with sensitivity and understanding Develops critical reading skills Develops critical thinking skills Empathizes with literary texts Writes critical essays Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 34

35. Thank you Ms.Mithila Weerasinghe / MOE Workshop 35