History of the Short Story  A short story is usually around 2,000 - 10,000 words, 5 - 20 pages, so it can be read quickly. The first short stories probably appeared on the walls of caves and were told via pictures.  They were passed on in the oral tradition from one generation to another, and later they were written down as man developed writing. 

History of the Short Story The development of short stories can be traced through history from the first picture stories on the walls of caves: Egypt in 2900 B.C. Old Testament of the Bible in 300 BCE New Testament Parables 50-100 CE Greek and Roman stories about their god, and heroes Anglo-Saxon period with Beowulf Canterbury tales 19th century American writers Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe.

History of the Short Story The 19th century saw the development of the modern short story form. Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe are considered fathers of the modern short story. It was defined as having a single conflict and could be read in one sitting.

The shortest short story ever written A woman is sitting in her old, shuttered house. 

The shortest short story ever written She knows that she is alone in the whole world; every other thing is dead. 

The shortest short story ever written There is a knock at the door. --by Thomas Baily Aldrich

Parts of the Short Story While short this story contains the necessary elements:  a character a setting a conflict a plot a climax a theme

Parts of the Short Story Character: someone in the story. Types : Round or Dynamic : convincing, true to life, undergoes some type of change in story. Flat or Static: stereotyped, shallow, often symbolic. does not change in the course of the story.

Parts of the Short Story Setting: the time, place and period in which the action takes place. The Catcher in the Rye:New York, 1940s Lord of the Flies: deserted island, the future.

Parts of the Short Story Conflict: the problem that must be solved.  Conflict Man VS Man Man VS Nature Man VS Society Man VS Himself

Parts of the Short Story Plot: contains all elements of the story.  Climax: The turning point. The most intense moment (either mentally or in action. Rising Action: the series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax. Falling Action: all of the action which follows the Climax. Resolution: The conclusion, the tying together of all of the threads. Exposition: The start of the story. The way things are before the action starts.

Parts of the Short Story Theme: central idea, often about the human condition  In most short stories, the theme can be expressed in a single sentence. In longer works of fiction, the central theme is often accompanied by a number of lesser, related themes, or there may be two or more central themes. Themes should be stated as a generalization.

Parts of the Short Story Other Short Story Elements Protagonist: The leading character in a literary work. Antagonist: The character who opposes the protagonist. Dialogue: the reproduction of a conversation between two of the characters. Foreshadowing: early clues about what will happen later in a piece of fiction. Irony: a difference between what is expected and reality.

Introduction to the Short Story Who is the character? What is the setting? What is the conflict? What is the plot? What is the theme? A woman is sitting in her old, shuttered house. She knows that she is alone in the whole world; every other thing is dead. There is a knock at the door.