By the Railway Side by Alice Maynell

Theme
The short story deals with her experiences in the Via Reggio platform as she travelled from
Tuscany going to Genovesato. (Travel Essay)
Setting
Place
Via Reggio Platform (Viareggio, Italy)
Time
On a day between two of the harvests of a hot September
Weather Condition
Presumably a sunny day, due to the word hot, from the line of a hot September
Social Condition
Mediterranean culture; multi-lingual citizens
Mood/Atmosphere
Descriptive opening of events; neutral feeling
Point of View
First Person Point of View
Plot
Introduction /Exposition
The speaker was riding a train from Tuscany going to Genovesato. Her train that she is
riding on drew near the Via Reggio platform. She narrates and describes the two places in the
story.
Rising Action
She hears an undistinguishable speech of a man who was shouting in the railway side.
According to her, the man was in serious trouble.
Climax
As the voice because articulate, it was an old man who was shouting blasphemies to a
woman. The first woman simply sobbed in the door of the waiting room. The second woman was
the one being shouted by the man. She was sobbing in fear of being thrown under the train by the
man. It was also later identified that she was a humpback and a dwarf.
Falling Action
The train slowly drew away from the station. The voices soon because inaudible, with the
speaker thinking of someone to stop or to interfere with the situation of the three people.
Denouement
The situation of the three people created a disturbance in her whole life. Because of the
event, a mental image of the second woman, who was sobbing in the station, a mental image is
formed in the speaker, never to be forgotten.
Characters
Speaker The author expressing her feelings in the story
Conflict
 Classical Conflict a sudden change of circumstances, which is the situation of the three people,
made the speaker think of her day differently throughout her trip going to Genovesato
Physical Conflict the situation where the second woman and the middle aged man are having a
quarrel shows proof that there is a physical conflict involved.
External Conflict the situation that happened by the railway side changed his day gradually;
according to him, it created an almost-permanent mental image of what happened.
Thank You Maam by Langston Hughes
Theme
The story carries great social value and has the ability to teach and instruct its readers. The
protagonist in the story changes from bad to good. (Moral Story)
Setting
Place
In the city
Time
Eleven o clock at night
Weather Condition
Presumably cold, not raining (Rain is not stated in the story)
Social Condition
Quiet, most people are sleeping
Mood/Atmosphere
Surprising opening of stories; Unexpected event
Point of View
Omniscient Point Of View Objective
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The story starts by introducing the woman walking in the dark.
Rising Action
Roger snatched the womans pocketbook. In return, she kicked Roger in the butt.
Climax
She grabbed Roger tightly. Due to this, Roger wanted to change his actions from bad to
good. She introduced herself as Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Roger and Mrs. Luella heats
up dinner and ate.
Falling Action
Roger was given ten dollars for a pair of blue suede shoes.
Denouement
He left the room saying thank you to Mrs. Luella, never to see each other again.
Characters
Roger the protagonist of the story; the boy who stole Mrs. Luellas pocketbook; a dynamic
character who wants to change his attitude
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones antagonist of the story; owner of the pocketbook, provided
of the internal conflict of the boy
Conflict
Physical Conflict Roger stole the pocketbook of Mrs. Luella and kicked Roger in the butt.
Internal Conflict He causes the problem despite being the protagonist in the story
Happy Feet by George Miller
Theme
The story shows that being different is not a negative thing. Instead, when improved, it can be used
to make a difference for the sake of everyone.
Setting
Place
Antarctica
Time
Time unknown
Weather Condition
Cold, due to current climate of Antarctica
Social Condition
Full of penguins having the same culture; the main character is different among the crowd
Mood/Atmosphere
Surprising start; conflict is shown immediately
Point of View
Omniscient Point of View Objective
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The story starts with describing the place, Antarctica, having a community of penguins. All
of the flightless birds are good song birds. According to a tradition set by the community, a penguin
is not unless it can sing. For Mumble, he is the worst singer in the group; however, he has a unique
talent that other penguins do not have tap dancing.
Rising Action
Because of Mumbles bad singing skills, he cant find lovelife. So, he left the village
because the community thinks that he is the curse causing the fish supply to run out. Together with
other emperor-like-penguins, they located the cause of the fish running out: huge fishing vessels.
Mumble thought of following the vessel and take back what the vessel took.
Climax
On their mission, a group of fishermen caught them and placed them in a zoo. Mumble
was bored of the place. Mumble finally communicated with a child who was then viewing him from
a deck. He tapped his feet to call the attention of the child and eventually called the attention of all
the people in the zoo. Mumbles dance moves called the attention of the media and triggered a
discussion among the leaders of the United Nations. After that, Mumble and the penguins were
sent back to Antarctica. He persuaded his family and his community to tap dance to tell the
humans that they inhabit the land and humans should stop taking all of their fish.
Falling Action
The United Nation then banned fishing in the area to protect the ecosystem of penguins
that greatly depend on the resources of the ocean.
 Denouement
Mumble and his friends proved that by being true to yourself and working with others, you
can make all the difference in the world.
Characters
Mumble - the main protagonist in Happy Feet. Tone-deaf emperor penguin
Memphis the father of Mumble and the husband of Norma Jean
Norma Jean the mother of Mumble and the wife of Memphis
Gloria the best singer known in the community
Noah the Elder the oldest penguin of the community; accused him of being cursed during the fish
supply crisis
Ramon the leader of the Amigos; encountered Mumble on his journey outside the community
Lovelace the Guru a rockhopper penguin who lives in Adelie-Land
Humans the antagonist of the story; despite not seen in the story, it is implied
Conflict
Physical Conflict - His tap dancing is not recognized in their community
Classical Conflict - They are running out of fish, and he is the one being blamed by the village
Social Conflict - Mumble is the worst singer in the village. Based on their culture and tradition,
you're nobody unless you can sing.
Psychological Conflict - Mumble is the worst singer in the community
External Conflict - Due to the accident caused by Memphis when Mumble was inside the egg, he
was tone-deaf that led to the following events of the story.
Sorry Wrong Number (A Radio Play) by Lucille Fletcher
Theme
Thriller, Suspense
Setting
Place
A house near a bridge
Time
Night time; presumably before 11:15 PM
Weather Condition
Unknown; presumably a cold night
Social Condition
Most people are sleeping; featured only on characters affected
Mood/Atmosphere
Suspense builds up on the start
Point of View
Omniscient Point Of View Limited
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
 The plot is introduced by Mrs. Stevenson calling the operator to call Murray Hill because
Murray Hills Office number has been busy for the past 45 minutes. She is terrified and alone in a
house and has been sick for the past 12 years.
Rising Action
She gets to call a number that is then answered. She tries to talk to the number called but
apparently the receiver doesnt seem to hear her, then she hears another man talk called George.
They talk about a murder that will be taking place at 11:15PM at a house near a bridge and would
be killing a poor woman, then would be getting her jewelries to make it look like a robbery, which is
what the client of the two men is demanding for. She then tells the operator about the murder but
she doesnt believe her. She then starts calling the police who also doesnt believe her. Then got a
call from the Western Union saying that her husband wont get home because of business matters.
She then calls her old hospital requesting for an experienced nurse because she feels alone and
terrified, hospital declines her request.
Climax
She then realizes that its already 11:14PM and that the man has entered the house and is
listening to their conversation, from the first floor. The man then goes up to the bedroom and kills
Mrs. Stevenson
Falling Action
George says that he called to wrong number that Mrs. Stevenson is calling for help.
Denouement
No conclusion; Open-ending
Characters
Mrs. Stevenson The wife of Murray Hill, a disabled person who has been sick for the past 12
years and has been bed-ridden. Only seen by her house maid and her husband.
Operator The first operator to answer Mrs. Stevensons call.
First Man One of the men that talks about going for a murder for a client
Second Man/George The other man that talks about going for a murder for a client
Chief Operator The Chief Operator of the telephone company
Second Operator The operator that was called by Mrs. Stevensons call. The second call.
Sergeant Duffy The police officer that answers Mrs. Stevensons call. Does not believe Mrs.
Stevenson
Third Operator The operator that was called by Mrs. Stevensons call. The third call.
Woman at Henchley Hospital The hospital that Mrs. Stevenson attended to 12 years ago when
she got sick. She called this woman to get a nurse that would care for her that night
Western Union Check The person that told the message of Murray Hill to Mrs. Stevenson
Information Operator The person that told the number of Henchley Hospital to Mrs. Stevenson
when asked
Conflict
External Conflict - The murder plot that is planned to Mrs. Stevenson
Internal Conflict - Mrs. Stevensons illness, leaving her bedridden for the past 12 years.
Physical Conflict - Mrs. Stevenson is killed by George (implied)
Classical Conflict - Mrs. Stevensons sickness left her bedridden for the past 12 years.
 Social Conflict - No one believes Mrs. Stevenson for whatever she says to the operator, police,
nurse, and Chief Operator.
Psychological Conflict - Mrs. Stevenson fails to calm down and gets more terrified, irritated, and
nervous to the point of breakdown.
The story of Romeo & Juliet based on the play by William Shakespeare as told by Bart Marks
Theme
The story talks about the undying love despite all odds.
Setting
Place
Verona
Time
Medieval period; Night time
Weather Condition
Unknown; not given priority
Social Condition
High class society; involves royal families who are enemies
Mood/Atmosphere
Neutral; descriptive start, author describes the place of the act
Point of View
Omniscient Point Of View Objective
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The plot is introduced by the feuding noble families of Capulet and Montague. It is said that
Romeo is in love with Rosaline. Romeo, a Montague, and his friends agreed on a plan to go to the
feast of the Capulets where Rosaline would have an appearance there. However, his eyes fell on
Juliet.
Rising Action
Romeo yearns to know Juliets identity, not knowing the fact that his family and her family
are on a feud. He was heard by Tybalt, a member of the Capulet clan, and draws his sword, but he
was intervened by the elder Capulet. Romeo wanted to meet Juliet, in private.
Climax
He asked for the girls name, and tries to impress her by his words, only later to know that
her family, is a great foe to his family. Juliet was also surprised by the same fact, despite slowly
having feelings for Romeo.
Falling Action
Juliet asked the identity of the man when Romeo was about to leave without knowing her
name.
Denouement
They finally knew each other, with their names stated by the nurse.
Characters
 Benvolio- a Montague that is trying to stop the fighting between the feuding noble families of
Capulet and Montague; cousin of Romeo
Romeo- the son of Montague
Rosaline- first love of Romeo
Lady Capulet- mother of Juliet
Juliet- daughter of Lady Capulet
Tybalt- cousin of Juliet
Conflict
Internal Conflict - Romeo fell in love at first sight with Juliet.
Social Conflict - Romeo and Juliets families were having a feud
The Terrible Horrible Giant
Theme
Fantasy; however, according to sources, the story serves as an intonation exercise and not a short
story. There is no proper ending.
Setting
Place
Presumably place is palace; place is unspecified
Time
Time period is unspecified; Morning, due to lack of sleep the king had, and eggs are usually eaten
as breakfast
Weather Condition
Unknown; not given priority
Social Condition
High class society; focused only on the characters
Mood/Atmosphere
Neutral start, problem shows slowly
Point of View
Omniscient Point Of View Objective
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The story opens by persuading the king to eat his egg, presumably his breakfast. The king
didnt sleep well.
Rising Action
The king didnt sleep well due to the terrible horrible giant creating a lot of noise all day and
all night. They decided on thinking what to do to solve the problem. The King and Queen had
decided to call for the help of a Wizard to stop noise coming from the Giant.
Climax
Story is not done; insufficient events
Falling Action
Story is not done; insufficient events
Denouement
 Story is not done; insufficient events
Characters
King Egbert the main character of the story, cannot sleep because of the giant
Queen the wife of King Egbert
Princess the daughter of King Egbert and the Queen
Conflict
Physical Conflict The giant caused the kings sleeplessness
External Conflict The giants noise cause the kings sleeplessness
While the Auto Waits by O. Henry adapted for the stage by Walter Wykes
Theme
Comedy; what we see is not what really is. The story is about a poor girl who pretends to be rich
while reading in the park, met a man who is in love with her.
Setting
Place
The quiet corner of a city park, New York
Time
1920s; During the twilight
Weather Condition
Nice weather, as stated by the young man
Social Condition
Quiet, due to lack of people in the place
Mood/Atmosphere
Calm, tense, and hostile
Point of View
Omniscient Point Of View Limited
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The girl was sitting down, reading a book. The object suddenly slips from her hand, but got
picked up by a young man. They knew each other, and distinguishing their personalities.
Rising Action
The guy introduces himself while the girl implied about her identity, saying that she was
rich and can be seen easily in magazines. The guy told that he was a cashier in one of the
restaurants. They talked about their experiences and current knowledge about the varying social
classes.
Climax
The girl was late for her engagement that questioned the guy. Suddenly, the waitress
called her and said that she was late for her work shift. She pretended not to mind, but she was
caught in the act when the young man saw the whole conversation of the two ladies.
Falling Action
 The lady realized that the young man that she met was actually a very rich man involved in
the society pages. She pretended and said that she is waiting for her chauffeur and she owns an
automobile, but argued on by the waitress.
Denouement
The story ends as the young man enters as his chauffeur waits for him inside the auto.
Characters
Mr. Parkenstacker the man in the story who is rich, but pretends to be poor
Mary-Jane Parker the girl sitting down in the bench
Waitress character that showed the real social status of the girl
Conflict
Internal Conflict the girl needs to lie in order to make herself look rich to the man. The same way
as the man, except he needs to lie in order to stay low-profile to the people he is meeting.
Social Conflict Due to the discrimination of lower social classes, the girl needs to hide her own
social status to remain respected.
Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred Uhry (Excerpt)
Theme
Relationship of an elderly white Southern Jewish woman, Daisy Werthan, and her African-
American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn
Setting
Place
Atlanta, Georgia
Time
1948
Weather Condition
Not stated, varies
Social Condition
Discrimination between black and white citizens; equality between different races not seen during
this era
Mood/Atmosphere
Tragic start
Point of View
Omniscient Point of View
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
A car crash happened on 1948; a crash is heard. Daisy Werthan was the cause of the
crash, due to driving the car in reverse.
Rising Action
Her son, Boolie, decided on having a driver. Boolie in his office and interviews a guy
named Hoke Coleburn.
Climax
 Over the years, he serves Daisy as her chauffeur. As they create a friendly bond, Miss
Daisy realized that Hoke has a lot to learn due to being illiterate. She teaches him things, like
reading, implying that she is his teacher while doing his job.
Falling Action
Lack of events; Ending of story needed (Miss Daisy, grows old over time, and starts to lose
her reason. Due to this, she was sent to a nursing home.)
Denouement
Lack of events; Ending of story needed (Hoke visits Miss Daisy, now age 97, in a nursing
home, seeing her for one final time.)
Characters
Daisy Werthan a widow
Hoke Coleburn her chauffeur
Boolie Werthan her son
Conflict
Classical Conflict Due to the fear of her mother suffering from another car accident, his son
decided to hire a driver
Internal Conflict The mother caused the accident due to wrong adjustment of gear (reverse
instead of drive)
External Conflict The son was afraid of what happened to her mother and trying to do his best not
to let it happen again.
Act Two, Scene Four: A Secret Wedding
Theme
Love amidst all odds
Setting
Place
Verona
Time
Medieval Period
Weather Condition
Not stated, varies
Social Condition
People of high social status; culture not common to working class people
Mood/Atmosphere
Happy turn of events; changed due to rising action
Point of View
Omniscient Point of View
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
Romeo was happy that Juliet would be in his house soon to get married.
Rising Action
 Before the secret wedding of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo kills Juliets cousin in a duel and
for that, Romeo cannot ever return to the city of Verona because he will be put to death if he does
return. On the other hand, Juliets parents told her she must marry Paris.
Climax
Friar Lawrence designs the plan. To fake the death of Juliet for her to escape her wedding
with Paris to be with Romeo forever. He gives Juliet a sleeping potion. She appears to be dead and
was put in a tomb.
Falling Action
Romeo does not know about the plan, visits her grave, thinks she is dead, and kills
himself. Juliet finally wakes up, hoping that Romeo is waiting for her so they can get married.
Denouement
She discovers that Romeo is dead and then kills herself.
Characters
Benvolio- a Montague that is trying to stop the fighting between the feuding noble families of
Capulet and Montague. And the cousin of Romeo
Prince Escalus- the ruler of Verona and is also trying to stop the fighting between the feuding noble
families of Capulet and Montague.
Romeo- the son of Montague, husband of Juliet
Rosaline- first love of Romeo
Paris- a kinsman of the Prince, seeks Juliets hand in marriage
Lady Capulet- mother of Juliet
Juliet- wife of Romeo
Tybalt- cousin of Juliet
Mercutio- witty friend of Romeo and Benvolio
Friar Lawrence- friend and confessor of Romeo
Conflict
External Conflict - Romeos family and Juliets are feuding. Juliet must marry Paris.
Internal Conflict - Romeo and Juliets love for each other. Because as stated in the story, they have
committed to kill themselves because they do depend on each other. For example, if Romeo is
killed, Juliet will decide to kill himself also because she couldnt live without him.
Physical Conflict - Romeo who have been closely attacked by Tybalt. Juliet doesnt want the advice
of the nurse.
Classical Conflict - Juliet needs to be married to Paris. Romeo cannot return to the city of Verona
because he has killed Tybalt. Death is the penalty.
Social Conflict - Romeo and Juliet struggles with their families because they are feuding
Psychological Conflict - Romeo and Juliet struggles with themselves on being dependent on each
other. Because they want to live together forever. For example, if Romeo is killed, Juliet will decide
to kill himself also because she couldnt live without him.
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Theme
Dreaming the dream amidst conflicts
Setting
 Place
Chicagos Southside
Time
Between World War II and the present; Friday and Saturday morning
Weather Condition
Not stated, varies
Social Condition
Poor African American family culture
Mood/Atmosphere
Gloomy opening turn of events
Plot
Introduction/Exposition
The story starts by introducing the situation and the characters. Walter and Beneatha's
father has recently died, and Mama is waiting for a life insurance check for $10,000.
Rising Action
Ruth was pregnant with Walter as the father of the child. It was stated that Walter wanted a
business, Beneatha being a doctor, and Mama wanting a house.
Climax
Eventually Mama puts some of the money down on a new house. Walter asks if he can
create a liquor business, but she denies it.
Falling Action
Later she relents and gives the rest of the money to Walter to invest with the provision that
he reserve $3,000 for Beneatha's education. He asks why she gave him the money. She answered
that he is the head of the family and he will decide on what he will do with the money.
Denouement
Walter smiled and took the money. He left the house.
Characters
Ruth Younger wife of Walter Younger
Walter Lee Younger husband of Ruth Younger, brother of Beneatha Younger and Travis Younger,
son of Lena Younger
Beneatha Younger- sister of Walter Lee Younger and Travis Younger
Travis Younger brother of Beneatha Younger and Walter Lee Younger
Lena Younger main character in the story, the mother
Conflict
Classical Conflict Due to the limited amount of life insurance check money, they have to decide
on how they are going to spend it.
Internal Conflict Due to the dreams and wants that every character wants to achieve, the way on
how Lena is going to spend the money is affected.