Modern Short Stories

1. Modern Short Stories “There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.“ Willa Cather

2. With the rise of the 19thcentury realistic novel, the SS evolved as a miniature version. Writers well-known for their short stories include Melville, Hawthorne, Poe, Maupassant, Gogol, Prus, and Chekhov. I. Definition of the SS A. Brief, narrative, prose fiction (500-20,000 words) B. Finds purpose in other than plot (i.e. character, theme, symbolism…Yet, it can still find it in plot.) C. Reveals character with action (Story’s purpose = readers knowing true nature of a character) D.Created consciously, result of skilled work E. Clear beginning, middle, end (however short the SS) Boleslaw Prus

3. Brief History of SS The SS developed into a dominant literary form in the 20thcentury (1900’s). Though it has lost popularity, storytelling serves a purpose even in a hi-tech age. SS entertain, communicate, carry tradition, and provide experience. In the mid-1800’s, critics proposed a defined structure and technique. To this was added the “surprise-ending”, but the SS came to be viewed as formulaic and repetitious. After the turn of the century, a new literary movement (Realism) and “slice of life” stories forced open the formula. SS have their origins in oral story-telling traditions, butthe modern SS began in 18thcentury (1700’s) France. In the 19thcentury (1800’s), writers developed the SS as a distinct type of writing, particularly in the US. As a result, the modern short story is called an American art form.

4. II. Early SS Types – Unrealistic or Moralistic A.Myth – concerned with heroes, gods, goddesses (often explains culture or nature) B. Folktale – passed down, entertain & explain world (forms part of a people’s oral tradition) C. Tall Tale – exaggerated or unreliable story (meant as ridiculous entertainment) D. Legend – unverifiable story accepted as historical truth (originally associated with lives of saints) E. Fable – teaches a moral, often with animals as characters (inanimate objects also) F. Parable – symbolic story that conveys ethics or morals(often with religious connections)

5. III. Modern SS – Developed A. Modern Plots 1. Attention getting opening 2.Chain of cause & effect (logical) 3.Carefully planned (no oral tradition) 4. Uncomplicated / Singular focus (That’s how we will approach this unit.) B.Modern Characters 1. Humans (no gods/goddesses) 2. Neither all good nor all bad 3. Behavior believable (no magic) 4. Limited in number C. Modern Settings(no “Once upon a time…”) 1. Definite time/place 2. Limited span of time D. Modern Titles 1. Meaningful (often related to theme) SS into Films

6. Finding Meaning in SS