Dianna Bassett
2 July, 2002

Short Stories

Definition:

A literary form that has existed only for about a century and a half.  A
form more realistic than the tale and of modern origin.  The writer usually
presents the main events in greater fullness.  Skilled writers of short
stories are skilled at describing a vivid or dramatic moment in enough
detail to create the illusion that the reader is practically there.
The American Short Story by Arthur Voss

Can be fiction or non-fiction.  Many times tell of an epiphany, story of
initiation to manhood or an experience,
Example:  William Faulkner’s Barn Burning.


Example:  "The Tell Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe

Representative genre:  Narrarator, single voice, as told to the reader.  
Other characters in the story do not talk.  He also talks to his mind.

Related genres:  Ancestors of fables and tales

Narrative genre:  tragedy

Subject genre:  mystery, detective story, horror story

Audience appeal:  Length of story is appealing to most.
  Suspense – grabs your attention.

Questions:
Some scholars do not recognize short stories as a serious
literary form.  What is your opinion?

Why do you think Poe’s short stories are still read today?

Answers:
Reani:  Short stories, especially Poe offer a sense of evil.  They initiate details quickly.

Aimee:  Short stories are good teaching tools because you can find the same literary devices as in novels, such as foreshadowing.

Dianna:  Time limits make short stories ideal.

Aimee:  You can set up literary concepts through short stories then progress to novels.

Dianna:  Short stories offer a variety of genres.

Student:  Short stories are like snap shots.  Poe is very likeable and intriguing.

Reani:  Poe brings spectacle to short stories.

Dr. White:  Poe is early in short story development.  Most of Poe’s stories are narratives.

Student:  A lot of references to Poe.  Draws in little kids.

Kelly:  America started accepted short stories.  Where does fiction start?  Maybe started with Poe.

Dr. White:  This movie is from a famous series of Poe movies. Some of the movies like Poe’s stories are a little cheesy, but charming.