Psychological Fiction Short Story Activities Bundle for High School Readers
Use this bundle of plot-based quizzes, close reading analysis worksheets, and vocabulary application activities to help high school students engage meaningfully with several examples of psychological fiction, a genre emphasizing internal characterization to develop profound mental and emotional conflicts. Six short stories are highlighted: "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, "A Journey" by Edith Wharton, "The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov, "The Portable Phonograph" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark, "Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" by Jack Finney, and "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.) By engaging with these materials, students will do the following:
Identify what the texts state explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the authors' word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern the functions of given characters and passages
Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, epiphany, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron personification, red herring, simile, situational irony, and more
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
And more
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
More materials are available for teaching short stories:
