[help] Examples of parts of a novel/Short-story

[bookclover]

Hello everyone,

I was asked to teach in a 'creative writing course' but according to what I was told it seems more on literature than on writing.

I'd love your help on examples of parts of a novel/short story: character, beginning etc.
Only 'rule' is it has to be on English/American literature.
Please help I do need ideas (unfortunately have only a few weeks to write a detailed project) - if you have any on writing courses (what works etc please share!!)

Thanks!!!

[prendrelemick]

Start simply. I remember from my student days a Katherine Mansfield short story called, "The Picton Boat".

It is simple, elegant, full of atmosphere and textures. The structure and plot are straightforward, its characters are subtlely drawn and interesting, its not too long,
it is written in simple easy prose, but is very effective.

I think it would make a good starting point for any such class.

For an unusual piece, how about "Kew Gardens" by Virginia Wolf, a very short story that has no plot, no structure, it is almost all discription and dreamily atmospheric.