Analyzing Characters, Symbols, and Conflict in a Short Story by Thomas King

A Short Story by Thomas King

"So there's going to be a pageant. That's great." (King 103) Chief/The Narrator is using verbal irony because he doesn't really mean what he's saying.

Type of Character (s) Joe Joe is the protagonist of the story. He is a static character because his personality stays the same throughout the entire story. Chief (The Narrator) The Narrator/Chief seems to be more of a dynamic character because connecting with his family and friends helped him learn more about his own culture.

Type of Character (s) The Narrator's Family and Friends The family and friends of the Narrator seemed to be stock because of how they were stereotyped by Joe. "No one's going to believe that Indians in 1863 had crew cuts. They got to have long hair with braids everybody." (King 112) Society (The Audience) The audience/society is the antagonist because they were against Joe's presentation. They are also flat characters because very little is known about them.

Symbol I would say that the Deer Island itself is a Cultural Symbol for the First Nations because deer represent peace and gentleness and, in the presentation, it shows how the First Nations did not want any harm with Larson and believed they could co-exist together.

"Come on, stand up and get your hat off, those folks got feelings too you know." (King 102) At the end of Joe's presentation, the audience and the mayor just stood silent, not applauding right away. Foreshadowing "Everything was quiet. The mayor and the council just sat there. Joe took his hat off." (King 119)

Person vs Environmentand External Conflict In the story, it is described how Joe is disliked by those around him and treated as an outcast due to his loudness and inconsiderateness of what he says. "Everyone in town knew Joe. And all of the people who knew Joe as well as I knew Joe didn't like him." (King 99)

Plot - Introduction Joe is a loud and very open- minded man who lives in the town of Deer Island. He is often disliked by those around him because of his loudness, but he is liked by a friend of his who he calls Chief. Joe meets up with Chief and points out in the newspaper that there will be a centennial celebration for the town turning 100 years old.

Plot Initiating Incident Joe tells Chief on how he could enter the pageant by writing about how the town was founded. He then tells Chief on how he is "...going to be one of the stars." (King 104)

Plot Rising Action Joe, knowing Chief is "Indian," tells him that he is going to need him to bring his family and friends because he needs about thirty to forty "Indians". Joe then sets up his pageant on Deer Island and gets the family and friends of Chief ready to perform. The firstact of the presentation starts, and the audience and the mayor enjoys it.

The third act of the presentation goes on and shows how the First Nations were massacred by the founder of Deer Island which appalls the audience and the mayor. Once the presentation ends, the mayor and audience just sit there, left silent, until someone starts to applaud.

After the presentation, Chief didn't see Joe for about three to four days due to the mayor being upset with Joe's presentation. Plot Falling Action Joe then explains to Chief how the mayor "said it wasn't apppproooooriate!" (King 120)

Plot Conclusion Joe then tells Chief that he has some pageant money left over, and they get some pie.

I would say that the message of the story is that King is trying to show how some people can't accept the harsh realities of what happens. Theme

Moral I would say the moral of the story is to be more connected with family and friends to help educate yourself on culture. We should learn to understand and listen to others so that we will be able to reconcile with them.

Effectiveness of Prose Terms in a Short Story (Irony and Type of Characters) Introducing different Types of Characters in stories plays a big role because it can help the reader connect and relate with different characters. First, I would say that Irony is important in a story because of its ability to intrigue a reader.

Symbols are important in a short story because it shows the reader that anything in a story can symbolize something and have meaning to it. Effectiveness of Prose Terms in a Short Story (Symbol and Foreshadowing) Foreshadowing is as important because it helps hint the reader of upcoming events leading the reader in suspense or excitement of what's to come.

Effectiveness of Prose Terms in a Short Story (Plot and Conflict) The plot is very important in a short story because essentially, it helps guide the readers throughout the story. Conflict is also a major in a short story because it helps drive the story forward and keeps the reader interested.

The moral of a story also has a significant role in giving the reader a lesson to learn as it shows what can be considered right or wrong based on values. The theme is very important in a short story because it gives the reader a message/lesson they can take away and learn from.

Sources Mr. Barrington's Blog. Mr Barringtons Blog, https://myriverside.sd43.bc.ca/pbarrington/english-12/short-stories/. Date Accessed, September 23, 2022