a. Assemble the facts of the story. ( The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin )

1. Identify the general subject of the story.

2. Tell in one sentence what happens in the story, including the outcome.

3. Reidentify the protagonist, including his dominant character trait and his change or lack of change as a result of the outcome of the conflict.

b. Put the three facts listed above into one statement.

c. Translate this specific statement into more general terms. Do not mention specific characters or events in your general statement of the central idea