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Reflecting on Short Stories: Exploring Theme, Character, and Meaning

Ann S. Michaelsen

A collection of short story masterpieces from the world’s finest storytellers

Tasks

Competency goals:

Look here and choose one short story you would like to read:

  1. The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Ernest Hemingway
  2. A day’s wait Ernest Hemmingway
  3. The Landlady, Roald Dahl watch the video here.
  4. Lamb to the slaughter, Roald Dahl
  5. Two kinds, Amy Tan NDLA part 1 and 2
  6. Questions and activities on two kinds here.

More activities on two kinds here.

You can choose the short story you want to read.

Read the short story and answer these questions:

General Reflection Questions (for all stories)

  1. What moment in the story stood out to you the most, and why do you think it had such an impact?

  2. How did the author’s writing style influence your experience as a reader? (Consider tone, pacing, and language.)

  3. What emotions did the story evoke in you? Were these emotions consistent throughout or did they shift as the story unfolded?

  4. How did the setting shape the mood or meaning of the story?

  5. Did you find the ending satisfying, shocking, or confusing? Why?

  6. What moral or message do you think the author wanted readers to take away?

  7. If you could ask the main character one question, what would it be—and why?

  8. How does this story connect to your own experiences or values?

  9. What kind of human behavior or societal issue does the story critique or highlight?

  10. Did you find yourself sympathizing with the protagonist, or questioning their decisions? Explain.

Story-Specific Reflection Prompts

The Snows of Kilimanjaro — Ernest Hemingway

  1. What does the mountain symbolize in Harry’s mind as he reflects on his life?

  2. How does Hemingway portray regret and missed opportunity?

  3. Do you think Harry’s suffering leads to any form of redemption or peace?

  4. How does the story explore the relationship between art, talent, and moral responsibility?

  5. What does the story suggest about the meaning (or futility) of life and death?

A Day’s Wait — Ernest Hemingway

  1. How does Hemingway use understatement to express emotion in this story?

  2. What does the boy’s misunderstanding about his illness reveal about fear and communication?

  3. How does the relationship between the father and son change through this experience?

  4. What does the story suggest about courage and emotional control?

  5. Do you think the father handles the situation well? Why or why not?

The Landlady — Roald Dahl

  1. What clues does Dahl give early on that something isn’t quite right?

  2. How does Dahl use irony to create tension and dark humor?

  3. Why do you think Billy doesn’t see the danger until it’s too late?

  4. What does the story reveal about trust and appearances?

  5. How does the story comment on the theme of innocence versus experience?

Lamb to the Slaughter — Roald Dahl

  1. How does Dahl make readers feel sympathy for Mary, even after she commits a crime?

  2. In what ways does the story play with expectations about gender and power?

  3. What role does irony play in the story’s ending?

  4. How does the title relate to both the literal and figurative meaning of the story?

  5. Do you think justice is served by the end? Why or why not?

Two Kinds — Amy Tan

  1. How does the story explore the theme of identity and parental expectations?

  2. In what ways does Jing-mei’s relationship with her mother reflect cultural and generational conflict?

  3. What role does pride play in both characters’ behavior?

  4. How does the ending reshape your understanding of Jing-mei’s journey?

  5. What do you think the story says about the idea of being “the best” or living up to others’ dreams?

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