Ms. Gokturk

Trends in Literature: Utopias & Dystopias

Beginning the Short Story:

Requirements & Expectations

You have read some short stories that address the idea of the end. In addition, these stories have also addressed ideas like: what man values, what man fears, how mankind survives, the truth behind archaeology, and contemplating ideas found in religious texts. These are all noble ideas, which you may or may not wish to address one or more of them in your short story.

Your assignment is to write a short story that makes us think about our world in some way. You may wish to enlighten us, warn us about the path we’re on, or make us question what think we already know.

Guidelines:

• Your short story must be around 1000 words in length. Please don’t go over or under.
• Your short story must have a catchy and appropriate title with a byline (by Joe Schmoe)
• Your short story must single spaced, 12 font, legible font (no scripts or all caps, please)
• Your short story must include:
• at least one main character
• any and all characters must be necessary to driving the plot forward: get rid of extras!
• setting description
• dialogue (even if it is with one’s self): make it interesting and relevant to your story’s message. Cut the dull stuff: “Hello, how are you?...”
• have a catchy intro
• have action that draws the reader into story
• HAVE A CLEAR & DELIBERATE CONFLICT! Characters must want something but face some sort of obstacle
• Address one or more of the following ideas: utopia, dystopia, or an end of the world reflection
• Your short story should leave the reader thinking about your theory or possible world in a way that makes us reflect about our world, beliefs, or what we hold as truths
• PROOFREAD, pleaaze. Spelchek insn’t the onlie way too go.
• This assignment will be worth 200 points.
• You must try your best to be creative (without being absurd) and have as much fun with this assignment as possible!