Studying Short Stories Genre Intro

What do we already know about short stories? What short stories have we read? Which authors or short stories do we know? Why do writers write short stories? What is the purpose of a short story? What else do we know?

History of the Short Story The short story emerged in a blitzkrieg of 19th-century magazine publishing. Short narratives and tales had existed for centuries in one form or another- such as ‘The Canterbury Tales’. However it was not until the 19th century with the emergence of periodicals that short stories began to be published individually, and were sought out by readers.

‘Rules of the Short Story’ These rules were developed by Edgar Allan Poe who said that a Short Story should:  Be complete by itself.  Be able to be read in one sitting.  Have every word used for important effect.  Have a good opening sentence that is developed throughout the work.  End at its climax.  Have no more characters than those necessary for the action.

Why Does a Writer Write a Short Story? When a writer creates a short story s/he has several possible purposes available. These can be to: Entertain the reader by telling a "good yarn." Make the reader ask questions like why? For what reason? How did it happen? Take a position on an issue by conveying an opinion. Make the reader feel sad or happy, angry or pleased, sympathetic or opposed, amused or disgusted A short story can have more than one purpose which becomes clear to the reader through the tone and style of writing used by the author, as well as what happens

Important Aspects to Study A short story is made up of several aspects. These are: The storyline or plot Point of view/Narration The writer's intention Theme The characters The setting The whole story is given tone by the way the writer chooses to tell the story. This involves both point of view and style.

Structure Short stories often focus on a single character in a single situation Some short stories end at the climax, leaving the reader to imagine what the outcome may be. Not all short stories reach a climax and some end inconclusively leaving the reader with a sense of uncertainty while other stories may not have discernable plot at all.

Character Typically there is only one central character in a short story. Other, minor characters appear only to enhance our understanding of this central character and their experience. Often the focus for the story is a moment at which one or more of the central characters undergo some important experience which represents a significant moment in their personal development – an epiphany or moment of truth during which some perception changes within the character.

Point of View/Narration The way the author chooses to narrate the story is important because it impacts the way the reader perceives characters and events. Different narrative approaches will cause readers to react and respond differently to the story.

Language and Style It is important to be aware that in a short story, because of the economy of space, all language choices are made deliberately by the author. There are a wide range of different stylistic approaches to short story writing, but that these are very important to our understanding of themes and purpose.