First, focus on the characters. Look at their traits, their actions and how they develop throughout the story. For example, in 'The Necklace', the main character's pride at the beginning and her transformation after the loss of the necklace are key elements to analyze. Then, consider the theme. Is it about love, greed, or something else? The setting also matters. If it's a story set in a small town, it might influence the characters' values and behaviors.
One way to analyze English short stories at CSULB is to look at the point of view. Is it first - person, third - person limited or omniscient? The point of view affects how we understand the story. For instance, in a first - person narrative, we only see the events through the narrator's eyes, which might be unreliable. Also, consider the historical and cultural context of the story. If it was written during a certain era, like the Victorian period, it will have values and ideas specific to that time that are reflected in the story.