3.2: Short Stories

Short Story

Short stories are works of fiction that usually fall between 1,000 to 10,000 words. On the shorter end of the short story classification we have flash fiction (500-1,000 words). On the longer end, we might approach a novella (17,500-40,000 words). Aside from length, there are some other characteristics which qualify a work of fiction as a short story. It is written in prose, meaning sentences and paragraphs rather than the lines and stanzas of poetry. There is usually a clear storyline, or plot, that unfolds over time. In short stories, the plot usually stretches over a relatively short time span, and will involve fewer characters than a novel. Like in drama and novels, a short story will have a certain structure with a turning point or climax which brings the plot in an unexpected direction.

Short Story

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The Novel

A novel is a work of fiction. This means that it is made up and not factual. Unlike the short story, it is NOT short: it usually focuses on many events and places as well as more characters than the short story. Also, the time span depicted in a novel is often longer than that of a short story.

In literary history, the novel is a fairly new form. Scholars count Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes (1605) as the first narrative that fits modern criteria of a novel. Usually a novel is defined by its length, or, more precisely, the extension of its plot, which can span over longer time than, for example, a short story. But that is not always the case; there are many famous (and long) novels where the narrative evolves over a very short span of time, for example a couple of hours or a day. In addition, a novel often has an extensive cast of characters, and the plot may take place in many different settings. There are a number of subgenres that will identify a novel more specifically, such as fantasy, romance, historical, or bildungsroman.

Novel

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• 3.2.1: Kate Chopin

  This page discusses Kate Chopin, an influential American writer born in 1850 in St. Louis. Her writing often addressed themes of women's independence and sexuality. After personal losses and marrying Oscar Chopin, she gained recognition in the 1890s, especially for "The Awakening," which challenged societal norms. Initially criticized, her work gained renewed interest in the 1960s. Other notable works, such as "The Storm," further delve into erotic themes and complex relationships.

  • 3.2.1.1: The Story of an Hour

• 3.2.2: Edgar Allan Poe

  This page outlines the life of Edgar Allan Poe, who became an orphan at four and faced conflict with his adoptive parents over his passion for poetry. Despite struggling financially and battling personal demons, including alcohol dependence and the death of his wife, he gained fame through works like "The Raven." Poe's mysterious death in 1849 did not overshadow his lasting impact on literature, particularly in detective fiction, influencing future writers significantly.

  • 3.2.2.1: “The Philosophy of Composition” (1846)
  • 3.2.2.2: “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843)

• 3.2.3: Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935)

  This page highlights Charlotte Perkins Gilman's contributions as a feminist writer and activist, focusing on her advocacy for social reform and gender equality. Influenced by her family and personal experiences, she led an independent life post-divorce, producing key works such as "The Yellow Wallpaper," which critiques marriage's oppressive nature, and "Women and Economics," addressing women's economic reliance on men.

  • 3.2.3.1: “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892)

• 3.2.4: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

  This page details the life of Nathaniel Hawthorne, born in 1804, who experienced early loss due to his father's death. Raised in Salem, his early interest in reading and writing led to his literary career, marked by works like "Twice-Told Tales" and "The Scarlet Letter," which delve into themes of sin and redemption. He also explored inherited sin in "The House of Seven Gables" and "The Marble Faun.

  • 3.2.4.1: 3.7.1-“Young Goodman Brown” (1835)

• 3.2.5: Shirley Jackson (1916-1965)

  The OER Remixer is a self-service tool to rapidly assemble a LibreText from existing sources. This tutorial will include both an explanation of the User Interface as well as a walkthrough of how to do basic tasks.

  • 3.2.5.1: "The Lottery"

• 3.2.6: William Faulkner (1897-1962)

  This page discusses William Faulkner, a prominent 20th-century writer known for his contributions to literature through works set in Mississippi's Yoknapatawpha County. His narratives delve into the complexities of Southern culture, influenced by historical factors such as slavery and racism, while incorporating Southern gothic elements and family histories.

  • 3.2.6.1: "A Rose for Emily"

Attributions

"Adapted from Literary Genres" © 2021 by Tone Hesjedal and Jan-Louis Nagel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

"Adapted from What is a Novel" © by Eli M. Huseby is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

"4.2: Short Stories versus the Novel" © by Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap (ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative) is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.