A short story research paper is a type of academic paper that involves analyzing a short story in order to understand its themes, characters, and literary elements. To write a short story research paper, you will need to start by reading the short story closely, taking notes on your observations and ideas as you go. Then, you will need to formulate a thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument about the short story. This thesis statement will guide the rest of your paper as you develop your analysis and support your argument with evidence from the text.
To give you an example of how a short story research paper might be structured, let's consider the short story "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe. One possible thesis statement for this short story might be: "In 'The Cask of Amontillado,' Edgar Allan Poe uses irony and symbolism to explore the theme of revenge."
In the introduction of your paper, you might provide some background information on Edgar Allan Poe and the historical context in which "The Cask of Amontillado" was written. You might also briefly summarize the plot of the story and introduce your thesis statement.
In the body of your paper, you could then analyze specific examples of irony and symbolism in the story to support your thesis. For example, you might discuss the use of the cask of amontillado itself as a symbol of the narrator's desire for revenge, or the use of the catacombs as a metaphor for the narrator's own buried resentment. You might also analyze the use of irony in the story, such as the narrator's feigned concern for his victim's well-being, to show how Poe uses this literary device to reveal the narrator's true motives.
Finally, in the conclusion of your paper, you might summarize your main points and restate your thesis, highlighting the significance of your analysis. You might also consider discussing the broader implications of your argument and how it relates to other works by Poe or to the literary tradition more broadly.
Overall, a short story research paper is an opportunity to deeply analyze a specific work of literature and make an argument about its meaning and significance. By carefully reading the text, forming a clear thesis statement, and supporting your argument with evidence, you can produce a well-written and thought-provoking research paper on a short story.
