Definition of Short Story

Definition of Short Story

Definition of Short Story

Introduction:

The short story, a concise and powerful literary form, has captivated readers for centuries. Its roots delve deep into the annals of literary history, evolving over time to become a distinctive genre celebrated for its brevity and narrative finesse. Scholars and literary critics have explored the origin of the short story, offering insightful definitions that shed light on its development.

Historical Evolution:

To trace the origin of the short story, we must embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of literary evolution. While ancient cultures often shared brief narratives, it was in the 19th century that the short story gained recognition as a distinct form. Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer known for his mastery of the macabre, is often credited with laying the groundwork for the modern short story. In his essay “The Philosophy of Composition,” Poe emphasized the importance of brevity and unity of effect in crafting compelling narratives.

Definition of Short Story from Scholars:

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849): Poe, a pioneer of the short story, defined it as a tale that could be read in a single sitting. He emphasized the need for a unity of impression, a specific mood or effect, and the exclusion of all extraneous elements that did not contribute to that impression. A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.

Anton Chekhov (1860-1904): The Russian master of the short story, Chekhov, focused on the subtleties of human nature. He believed in the power of suggestion and the art of implication, stating: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

Eudora Welty (1909-2001):An American author renowned for her Southern Gothic stories, Welty highlighted the importance of capturing life’s moments in the short story. He defines short story as:

“A short story is confined to one mood, to which everything in the story pertains. Characters, setting, time, events, structure, and theme—all in harmony.”

Italo Calvino (1923-1985): Calvino, an Italian writer known for his experimental works, viewed the short story as a condensed universe. He believed in the infinite possibilities within its brevity: “A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.”

The short story transcends cultural boundaries, and various literary traditions have contributed to its diverse tapestry. From the intricate fables of Aesop to the allegorical tales of the Arabian Nights, short narratives have played a crucial role in shaping the storytelling landscape.

The origin of the short story is a journey through time, guided by the pens of literary luminaries. Poe’s emphasis on unity, Chekhov’s exploration of human nature, Welty’s harmonious approach, and Calvino’s infinite possibilities collectively define the essence of this genre. As we continue to explore the vast realms of literature, the short story remains a testament to the profound impact of brevity and narrative precision on the human experience. 0 0 0. Definition of Short Story

Definition of Short Story

A list of Short Stories with Analytical Studies

1. The Use of Dialogue in Premchand’s Short Story ‘Deliverance’
2. The Characterisation in Premchand’s Story ‘Deliverance’ 
3. The Irony in Premchand’s Short Story ‘Deliverance’
4. Premchand’s short Story ‘Deliverance’: An Analytical Study
5. Rabindranath Tagore’s Short Story ‘The Exercise Book:  An Analytical Study
6. Ambais’ Short Story’Yellow Fish’: An Analytical Study
7. Yellow Fish as a Metaphorical Short Story
8. The Significance of Colour in the short Stroy ‘Yellow Fish’
9. The Use of First Person ‘I’ in the Short Story ‘Yellow Fish’
10. Roger Mais’ Short Story ‘Blackout’: An Analytical Study
11. Saadat Hasan Manto’s Short Story ‘The Dog of Tetwal’: An Analytical Study
12. Guy de Maupassant’s Short Story ‘The Jewel’ -An Analytical Study
13. Guy de Maupassant’s Short Story ‘The Necklace’ -An Analytical Study
14. Guy de Maupassant’s Short Story ‘A Piece of String’ -An Analytical Study
15. J. A . A. Joyce’s Short Story ‘Eveline’ -An Analytical Study
16. S. Maugham’s Short Story ‘The Verger’ -An Analytical Study
17. Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘God Sees the Truth But Waits’ -An Analytical Study
18. Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘Three Questions’ -An Analytical Study
19. Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘What Men Live By’ -An Analytical Study
20. Anton Chekhov’s Short Story ‘The Bet’ -An Analytical Study
21. Shaukat Osman’s Short Story ‘Prize’ -An Analytical Study
22. S. Souvany’s Short Story ‘A Silent Love’ -An Analytical Study
23. R. K. Narayan’s Short Story ‘Lawley Road’ -An Analytical Study
24. R. K. Narayan’s Short Story ‘The Martyr’s Corner’ -An Analytical Study
25. Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘The Imp and the Peasant’s Bread’ -An Analytical Study
26. R. K. Narayan’s Short Story ‘Leela’s Friend’ -An Analytical Study
27. R. K. Narayan’s Short Story ‘Father’s Help’ -An Analytical Study
28. Rabindranath Tagore’s Short Story ‘The Cabuliwallah’ -An Analytical Study
29. Atulananda Goswami’s Short Story ‘A Birthday Party’ -An Analytical Study
30. Leo Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘How Much Land Does a Man Need’ -An Analytical Study
31. Tolstoy’s Short Story ‘A Prisoner in the Caucasus’ -An Analytical Study
32. Lord Halifax’s Short Story ‘The Invisible Passenger’ -An Analytical Study
33. Bimal Mitra’s Short Story ‘1990’ -An Analytical Study
34. Banaphool’s Short Story ‘The Girl’ -An Analytical Study
35. Natarajan’s Short Story ‘Co-death’ -An Analytical Study
36. Dr Pratibha Roy’s Short Story ‘The Certificate of Honour’ -An Analytical Study
37. Ruskin Bond’s Short Story ‘Once a Thief’ -An Analytical Study
38. O’Henry’s Short Story ‘The Romance of a Busy Broker’ -An Analytical Study
39. Alphonse Daudet’s Short Story ‘The Last Lesson’ -An Analytical Study
40. Nikolay Gogol’s Short Story ‘The Cloak’ -An Analytical Study
41. Lakhminath Bezbaruah’s Short Story ‘Patmugi’ -An Analytical Study