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Short Stories with Literary Elements
See how plot, setting, character, conflict, point of view, theme, and irony work in well-known short stories, with examples and tips for spotting each element.
Writing & Literature
Literary Themes & Stories
8 guides, starting with Short Stories with Literary Elements.
Examples of AP Literature Essays
Learn the three AP Literature essays, how they are scored, and see an illustrative thesis and body paragraph, plus where to find official sample responses.
Gothic Short Stories Examples
Examples of Gothic short stories, from Poe's House of Usher to The Yellow Wallpaper and A Rose for Emily, with common Gothic elements and plot ideas for writers.
Identity Crisis in Literature Examples
Examples of identity crisis in literature, from Holden Caulfield and Gregor Samsa to Invisible Man and The Namesake, plus how authors show a character's search for self.
Island Symbolism in Literature
Learn what islands symbolize in literature, from isolation and escape to a world in miniature, with examples from Lord of the Flies, The Tempest, and more.
Lilac Symbolism in Literature
Explore what lilacs symbolize in literature, from grief in Whitman's elegy for Lincoln to first love in flower lore, with tips for analyzing flower symbols.
Nature Themes in Literature
Explore common nature themes in literature, from Romantic beauty and survival against the wild to environmental loss, with named examples and writing tips.
Short Stories with Dramatic Irony
Short stories with dramatic irony, including The Landlady, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Story of an Hour, with explanations of who knows what and why it matters.
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