This collection of 100 stories brings new features to the fourth edition of Fictions. In this popular study of the elements of fiction, masterpieces of traditional fiction are entwined with contemporary writings to create a thought-provoking and effective study of what makes great fiction writing. The five basic elements of fiction are clearly defined and explored using concrete examples from stories contained in the text, combined with study questions and essay topics which encourage students to explore ideas on their own. Features: * The introduction, Reading and Writing About Short Stories, begins by defining the five basic elements of fiction--plot, characterization, setting, point of view and theme. * The introduction also acquaints students with the process of writing an essay about a short story and includes a case study of a student paper on Kate Chopin's Story of an Hour. * Wide variety of short stories--the best of traditional and contemporary writers. * Minimal apparatus includes a headnote and questions for discussion and writing. * There is an alternate thematic table of contents. New to this edition: * New selections include many new writers and selections (37 new stories) and four novellas. * New Part II--an anthology of paired stories organized to enable students to compare how two writers develop one of the major elements in their story. * Instruction on how to use sources to write a critical analysis of a story. Advice is provided for all aspects of the research process, from finding sources to citations (including using electronic sources). * New Stories for Comparison suggestions after readings of two other stories that might be read in tandem for discussion or writing assignments. * New Instructor's Manual provides discussion questions and answers as well as selected writing assignments and resources for each story.