Short stories vs. Television Situation Comedies

1. Short story characteristics are:
•Short, concise, single impression, & personal experiences and prior knowledge.
Refer to your notes and discuss whether or not the sitcom episode you watched meets the criteria of a typical short story.

2. To paraphrase Anton Chekhov, what is the “gun hanging on the wall” in this episode?

3. Provide a plotline for the show.

4. Of the four major components of the short story, which one appears to be the most prominent in this show? Support your answer.

5. With regard to the other three major components of a short story, identify them and explain their importance to the viewing of the show.
Is there a theme to this story? If so, what is it?

6. What literary devices are present in this sitcom? Identify all literary devices and defend your decision about the presence or absence of each.

7. What are some of the advantages of presenting a story in the form of a television sitcom instead of a short story?

8. What are some of the disadvantages of presenting a story in the form of a television sitcom instead of a short story?

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