Literary Elements in Short Stories

Front

The American Slurp: Setting

Back

Family home, American homes, school.

Front

The American Slurp: Rising Action

Back

The family struggles with American customs, especially table manners.

Front

The American Slurp: Climax

Back

Embarrassment at the Gleason dinner.

Front

The American Slurp: Conflict

Back

Fitting into American society while holding onto Chinese traditions.

Front

The American Slurp: Falling Action

Back

Realization that even the Gleasons had embarrassing experiences.

Front

The American Slurp: Resolution

Back

The narrator feels more comfortable balancing both cultures.

Front

The American Slurp: American Dream

Back

To belong and be accepted in American society.

Front

The Scholarship Jacket: Setting

Back

Texas middle school and Marta’s home.

Front

The Scholarship Jacket: Rising Action

Back

Marta overhears teachers arguing about giving the jacket based on money vs. merit.

Front

The Scholarship Jacket: Climax

Back

Marta tells the principal she cannot pay for the jacket.