English for Self-Expression

Short Stories Revision

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

Main Characters:
Mrs. Mallard a.k.a Louise (protagonist), Josephine (sister) Mr Mallard a.k.a Brently (husband), Richards (husbands friend)

Plot:
Mrs Mallard was excited to know the death of her husband, only to realise it was false news and she died upon knowing that her husband was still alive. Climax: When Mr Mallard entered the house alive, a shocking moment for Mrs Mallard.

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

Key Lines to remember: "Free! Body and soul free! she had died of heart disease-of the joy that kills. she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window Key Theme: Freedom (especially from the husband. To a larger extent, it also highlight womens roles in the society at that time 1890s, usually

only stay at home, being the shadows of the husband) Conflict: Women versus herself /Man versus himself (internal)

Her by Titis Basino

Main Characters: I (Mrs Hamid), Her (Mrs Hamid second wife), Husband (Mr Hamid) Plot: The story is from Mrs Hamid point of view (I), telling how she felt about her husband decision to marry a second wife (Her). One day, both showed up for the Womens Club Convention. Climax: When I said Do you mean me? (the second wife actually gave the chairperson post to her)

Her by Titis Basino

Key Lines to remember: "Couldnt you have stopped short of marriage? You already have one wife. I can deal with all your needs, cant I? No, there are other reasons, but I dont feel

that I must itemize them for you. Deep down I begged that he would become tired of "her," but he never did.

Key Theme: Acceptance - accepting the fact that Her is now part of the family to a larger extent the acceptance of polygamy. Conflict: Women versus herself /Man versus himself (internal)

Peach Blossom Luck by Kow Shih Li

Main Characters:
I, Connie, and the Fortune Teller.

Plot:
The story is first person point of view. I bring her friend Connie to see a fortune teller. They wanted the fortune teller to save Connies marriage because her husband was going out with another woman (as recommended by Datin Tai). The twist in the end, revealed I was also a second wife. Climax: When the fortune teller said Didn't your husband divorce his first wife to marry you?

Peach Blossom Luck by Kow Shih Li

Key lines to remember:
"How could he do this to me? After all that I've done for him, how could he leave me for a twenty year old cheap trick? Now, your husband is complicated. He is heaven born with 'dou fa wan', the peach blossom luck. The playboy luck. Didn't your husband divorce his first wife to marry you? We drove home in silence that afternoon. Hypocrisy - among the so-called rich women to be part of the high society. Man versus Society (trying to convince the society they belong to the upper class)

Key Theme:
Conflict

Treason by Preeta Krishna

Main Characters
I (Her name: Kanna ironically this name is usually used for boy), Pa (Father), Amma (the flesh trade head)

Plot:
A clear plot of how a young Indian girl began her day, only to be sold by the father in the end. She had so much trust towards her father but he betrayed her. Climax: The part when I motioned to get up, when he grabbed my arm tight. This wasn't him. My father had never treated me this way, never Was it the place?

Treason by Preeta Krishna

Key lines to remember
Pa was stubborn. For the best of me, I couldn't understand why. So, I went along.. I motioned to get up, when he grabbed my arm tight. This wasn't him. My father had never treated me this way, never My father was gone. So was the yellow butterfly.

Key Theme:
Treason/Betrayal how a father sold her daughter for flesh trade or for prostitutions it also the social ills in India where young girls are traded.

Conflict
Man versus Man (daughter vs father)