Types of Short Fiction Chapter Review
Types of Short Fiction Chapter Review
1. What are the differences between parables and fables?
The difference is that the moral of the fable is stated explicitly; while a parable is often of a religious or spiritual nature.
2. How is a Tale different from a parable or fable?
A tale does not point to a moral like a parable or fable, instead it is almost as generalized in its depiction of character and setting.
3. Briefly summarize Aesop’s “The Wolf and the Mastiff” and explain the moral of this fable.
The wolf met the mastiff and was jealous because the mastiff was so well built and the wolf was so skinny; but the wolf was free while the mastiff was tied up. So the moral “better starve free, than be a fat slave,” is saying that it is better to be free than to be a slave.
4. Briefly summarize Petronius’ “The Widow of Ephesus” and explain why DiYanni labels it a modern short story.
Ephesus maid was also there with the widow of Ephesus. Nobody could persuade the lady to go home. She did not eat a grain for five days. Everybody said that she was the true example of conjugal fidelity and love
5. Look at the four features of the modern realistic short story at the top of page 47. Explain how Petronius accomplishes these four features in his tale. For example, in reference to feature #2: How are the characters recognizably human (their faults and mistakes, their passions or problems) and how are they motivated by social and psychological forces?
6. According to DiYanni, what distinguishes a nonrealistic story to the conventional short story?
We must accept them on their terms. We also enlarge our understanding of what a short story can be.
7. What are the differences and the similarities between the short story and the short novel, or novella?
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
1. What are the differences between parables and fables?
The difference is that the moral of the fable is stated explicitly; while a parable is often of a religious or spiritual nature.
2. How is a Tale different from a parable or fable?
A tale does not point to a moral like a parable or fable, instead it is almost as generalized in its depiction of character and setting.
3. Briefly summarize Aesop’s “The Wolf and the Mastiff” and explain the moral of this fable.
The wolf met the mastiff and was jealous because the mastiff was so well built and the wolf was so skinny; but the wolf was free while the mastiff was tied up. So the moral “better starve free, than be a fat slave,” is saying that it is better to be free than to be a slave.
4. Briefly summarize Petronius’ “The Widow of Ephesus” and explain why DiYanni labels it a modern short story.
Ephesus maid was also there with the widow of Ephesus. Nobody could persuade the lady to go home. She did not eat a grain for five days. Everybody said that she was the true example of conjugal fidelity and love
5. Look at the four features of the modern realistic short story at the top of page 47. Explain how Petronius accomplishes these four features in his tale. For example, in reference to feature #2: How are the characters recognizably human (their faults and mistakes, their passions or problems) and how are they motivated by social and psychological forces?
6. According to DiYanni, what distinguishes a nonrealistic story to the conventional short story?
We must accept them on their terms. We also enlarge our understanding of what a short story can be.
7. What are the differences and the similarities between the short story and the short novel, or novella?
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