For a short story to be effective, it must be able to produce high levels of intensity, emotion and drama. To do this, it must convey a great deal of information in a short space of time. As a result, the short story usually leaves a great deal of its content open to interpretation and examination by the reader. Also, the denouements of short stories frequently remain inconclusive and unfulfilled. Together, these attributes add to the action and intriguing character of this genre of literature.…
Theme of a story may be stated very briefly or at greater length (Arp and Johnson 189). If the story is encompassed to multiple lines expect a shortened theme, on the other hand if one has a complex story expect an insightful theme.…
In a short story there are characteristics that are central to making it a successful story. Two of the main features that make a story enjoyable are a captivating and interesting plot and the focus of a story on a single character. These two features are essential to a good story for two reasons, an interesting plot makes for an engaging read and the development of one main character gives the reader a chance to experience a more life-like, revealing look into a characters’ life.…
There are five literary techniques used to create short story: narrator, characterization, setting, plot and perspective. The two short stories chosen to identify these literary techniques are “The lesson,” by Toni Cade Bambara, and “How Far She went,” by Mary Hood.…
When reading a short story, you may not be fully aware of how much you are actually getting out of it. Whether it contains an intricately woven plotline filled with suspense or is a less-complex fable, there are so many things you can learn from short stories. Every short story contains a theme that is often a powerful message to the reader. In addition, various literary devices (such as foreshadowing, symbolism, etc.) make the story more appealing. Furthermore, besides entertaining us and teaching us new writing techniques, short stories contain valuable lessons that readers can learn from and apply to life.…
A well-written story has a different meaning to every individual. The image that one creates is distinct based upon the interpretation of narration that the author presents. The characters of the story connect to the reader to provide resonant personal significance. The application of words in the story that the author organizes gives the readers unique perspective of the fictional character’s life. The adventures and the challenges that the characters’ battle bridges the realistic and the fictional world. With the help of literary tools, an ordinary story can be reformed into an extraordinary masterpiece. Famous authors including Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway routinely practice literary techniques to establish the foundation a story.…
The short story uses writing techniques such as descriptive and formal language, characterisation through dialogue, and description of characters.…
A novella is a narrative work of prose fiction somewhat longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. A common length is about 50 to 100 pages, or around 20,000 to 40,000 words. The extra length is generally used for more character development than is possible in a short story, but without the much greater character and plot development of a novel.…
One’s final moments often leave many questions. “What will my final thoughts be?” or “What would my final statement to the world be?” Reflections on death are often avoided because death can be terrifying but, if forced to think about it, what would you do in the final moments of your life? The author of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Ambrose Bierce, wants the reader to focus on his or her final moments and how they might unfold. The author is able to make the reader feel as though he or she is actually sharing the protagonist, Peyton’s, terrifying experience and provokes reaction and deep feeling. The plot is intriguing, unique and takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. By using character development, the author is able to make the main character personable and relatable. Additionally, the setting and it’s description, pulls the reader into the text and transports him/her to Peyton’s world. The author hooks the reader with these elements and ultimately forces him or her to reflect on his/her last moments of life.…
In order to delineate the notional structure for The Velveteen Rabbit, one must first assess the correct discourse type. In reviewing the narrative, procedural, behavioral, and expository discourse types, The Velveteen Rabbit is undeniably a narrative discourse in surface and notional structure. The plot or notional structure of the story provides insights into what one would imagine is a toy's ultimate dream of being loved and becoming real. The story begins with the phrase, "There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid." This sentence is an example of a formulaic aperture. This narrative discourse takes us from its introduction as a new toy stuffed in a stocking on Christmas morning through an early period in a boy's adolescence as seen through the eyes of a toy rabbit made of velveteen.…
My hospital bed was ice cold and the bleak and empty white walls depressed me as the uncomforting thought that I would have to stay here for maybe another week brought tears to my eyes. The usual and oppressive smell of disinfectant lingered in the room as I recalled that night in my head, trying to convince myself it wasn’t my fault, as I had done everyday since the accident. It was the day everything changed and my life was turned upside down. Forever.…
Hook: A short story is a story with a fully developed theme, plot, and characters, but less elaborate than a novel.…
Throughout history, short stories have become a way to share human experiences. Short stories also have also become a way to tell readers about a culture and its way of life. While not all short stories are the same or written the same way, they do contain common elements that aid the shaping of the story. Some of these elements are: plot, setting, time frame, characters, point of view, and theme. There are also some stylistic elements that are also used that may vary depending on the author; like tone or symbolism. (Clugston, 2012)…
The short novel unlike the story, the short novel can allow a slower unfolding of characters, incident, and idea. Both the short novel and short story rely on glimpses of understanding, flashes of insight, and quick turns…
Source: CAPPELEN DAMM AS, Oslo 2008 – ''Access to English literature, VG3''. Anthony, Burgess, Mikkelsen & Sørhus. Chapter 1, page 23-24.…