Modern Fiction – Short Story and Essay

Much like writers of poetry during the Modern era, authors of short stories and personal essays grappled with the impact of changing social values during this time period. In this topic, you will be introduced to two famous British authors of prose: James Joyce and George Orwell. First, you will study a coming-of-age short story about a boy afflicted with the idealization of young love in Joyce's "Araby." The narrator of this story is on a mission to purchase a gift at a bazaar to win the heart of his friend's sister. Next you will read a famous personal essay by George Orwell called "Shooting an Elephant," which is set in colonial India. Can you guess by the title what Orwell's story is about?

Essential Question

• How do short stories and essays reflect changing values during the Modern period?