Everyone Loves a Good Short Story- Rachel Devine
I know this is a big statement, but I think everyone loves a good short story. Aesop's Fables are very brief stories featuring animals who demonstrate human traits such as speech and human follies. Each tale imparts a life lesson to its readers, as it always ends with a profound moral to the story. I used to love reading Aesop Fables to my two sons when they were little, and they loved them. It was very clever to use animals in the fables that children could relate to.
Other short stories can bring us back in time or propel us into the future. Some are designed to bring the reader to another dimension. And some tug at the heart, with human compassion at the forefront. And yet, some have great endings, and others have tragic endings.
The Origin of Short Stories
Short stories have existed since ancient times, with early examples found in the tales of Aesop's Fables, the stories of the Arabian Nights, and even the parables in the Bible by Jesus. However, the modern short story form is generally traced back to the 19th century, with writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Anton Chekhov being among the pioneering masters of the genre.
Tones and Voices in Short Stories
One of the defining features of short stories is the ability to enlist a wide range of tones and narrative voices.
Some common tones include:
Humorous/Satirical: stories that use wit, irony, and exaggeration to poke fun at human behavior or societal norm.
Dramatic/Emotional: Stories that explore intense emotions, conflicts, and human experiences.
Suspenseful/Thrilling: stories that build tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Reflective/Philosophical: Stories that delve into existential questions, human nature, and the meaning of life.
We all have our stories. What would your short story look like?
Famous Short Story Titles and Authors
Here are some renowned short story titles and their authors:
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
"The Dead" by James Joyce
"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
"The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor
I have to confess, I have not read all of them. My research brought these up as significant short stories of our time. I did read a few of them, and I would highly recommend “The Yellow Wallpaper,” “The Gift of the Magi,” and “The Lottery.” As you might guess, these short story examples showcase the diverse range of styles, themes, and voices that have contributed to the rich tradition of short fiction over the centuries.
I am very excited to announce that I am just completing a manuscript of my own short stories. My short stories have a range of different topics and definitely have endings that make you think about the moral of the story. I would say they fit into the category of number 2 and 4 of the, Tones and Voices in Short Stories listed above. I wanted to do a book on short stories for a while, and I finally just sat down and started it, and before long, I only have one chapter left to complete. I am hoping to have it completed by the beginning of September and put in a book form.
In closing, let me just say that short stories are a way to give us an exciting escape from everyday life and visit perhaps the Riviera, travel back in time to the 1800’s, or perhaps peer into the life of someone who is experiencing a “God Moment.” And you can do all of that without leaving the comfort of your living room.
Let me know what your favorite short story is in the comments or by emailing me.
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