A Formalist Approach On A Short Story

Zoe dug through the bin, reasonably at first but grew franticly the longer she went down. Kevin at first stood off, watching the clothes fly out the donation bin.

George Saunders once said, “When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you” (Quote). This quote is absolutely relatable because short stories are filled with wisdom and advice that one can typically compare their own life circumstances to. Short stories can have multiple life lessons hidden within the text, requiring the reader to dig deeper and reread the story until the messages are clear. While reading them, it is important to try and identify the point of view, plot, character, setting, and theme within the piece. This will help you relate to the story on an exceptional level, and will give you insight on what the author is trying to convey. With all of these elements in mind, you will be able to relate to the story on a more personal level, and will ultimately get more out of it.

A short story is a work of literature that is shorter than a novel. Although some may believe the length may not be enough to develop a noble story, in these few pages an author can pack a tight punch that will leave one in awe, disgust, or utter sadness. Whether there is a moral of the story or it is simply for the reader’s enjoyment, each author has their own style of conveying a message through their work in very diverse ways. Through Flannery O’Connor and Chuck Palahniuk’s works we can see this very evidently.

Short stories are defined as pieces of fiction in literature which can easily be read in one sitting. Each short story tends to have a certain meaning or theme behind it, followed by structural elements. These themes and structural elements are significant in impacting one’s reading experience. Each short story is created with the author’s willingness to make you reflect, or think back on your own experiences. “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, A Rose for Emily, and The Things They Carried,” are all short stories which involve these specific characteristics.

Short stories form a different way of writing. Like all other type of literary genres, short stories are created with a distinct message, but a much more powerful one that is convey in such fewer pages. They convey a meaning and message that hits the reader in a profound yet questionable way that leaves the reader, sometimes, confused. Short stories allow for a conversation, an argument, and/or a thought as to what is actually being conveyed. The message is not always directly expressed, but sometimes conveyed in such a way that the reader must figure it out. A great example of such writing is Balthazar's Marvelous Afternoon, written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Why are people always taught to read a story for the deeper meaning and symbolism without ever concerning themselves with the actual writing of the story? Most authors, when writing a short story, put considerable effort into the most minute details, this allows them to control the environment, pace, and unique feelings found in their story. As the reader progresses through the narrative they skip over many of these details to take in the larger picture, this is only natural. But it would be ignorant of a scholarly reader to not revisit and take note of this deeper level of the writing, it would leave them oblivious to the thought and care that the author has put into crafting their work; this deeper level is far from just symbolism, it is

Short stories are a bit like baby carrots. They have the same flavor as your basic carrot, but they are shaved down, polished. Baby carrots the same core as their former, bigger self. But they decide to showcase the central theme, or idea rather than hiding it under layers. By trimming the excess, the short story and the baby carrot gives us the ability to grasp a deeper understanding of itself. They both confine themselves to the richest and most valued parts. Short stories are shaved down and let a single plot to shine rather than be mixed in amongst other storylines that take some of its glory. Short stories allow us to analyze precisely and get to the root of the conflict easily. Much like how baby carrots evidently display the core elements

The sun was high in the sky, gleaming down on us. The air was breezy, but not cold. The day was ordinary, or so it seemed. But what was out of place? That would be my brother, the only person who could possibly get himself into such a situation, with his impossible ability to almost die, but just miss the mark. As he sat there on the ground with his back to us, legs sprawled out in front of him, we didn’t even realize that there was anything wrong. Hold on a second. Let’s rewind this just a little.

Short Fictions are a short narrative story with fewer description and characters which has at least one overall theme. These short fictions have been around since the 17th century meant to have meaning towards a plot or actions of fictional characters. Every story has a beginning, middle, and end to it, but due to short fictions only having fewer than 1,500 words it can be hard to truly understand the overall message it tries to send to the readers. I myself feel that confused after reading a short fiction, and miss the point of the story because I am not an active reader. Though after having discussions in class, and making close observation of the details included in the stories my understanding of meaning has changed a lot from the first time I have read them. Short Fictions like “Butterflies” by Patricia Grace, and “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner can be misinterpreted at first, but by analyzing each story the overall message can be revealed.

“Yeah, I know little man, but you could have at least took a shower. Brother are you flagrant or what!” They both started laughing. “So you want me to keep everyone away right?”

A short story is a form of storytelling that does not waste space. It serves the reader details only relevant to the storyline. It aims to engage the reader immediately, by not filling the story with useless details but only that to which is necessary and holds their attention. A short story contains very little to no background information. It only provides that to which is required for the story. Each sentence helps develop the storyline and begins as quickly as they end taking the reader from the start to the end on a roll-a-coaster of emotions as they read. What brings a short story to life, is how the story flows and makes the reader feel grabbing their curiosity with little background information, catching their attention with each detail, and bringing them in with the quick developments of the storyline.

The three detectives pull up to see officers' busily working their crime scene. Looking up Rachel notices the heavy rain clouds that are quickly moving in from the north.

Short stories have many different literary elements and, you can compare all of them. All stories have something in common and something different about them, that make them unique. The short stories, Contents of a Deadman’s Pocket, The Leap, and The Trip all have elements of literature in them. The elements that are the most important are theme, characters, setting and conflict.

Johnny mumbled, “Why is it people who were supposed to be so smart are so damn stupid?”

Caitlin suppressed a yawn as she injected the content of her syringe into the IV’s tube of her badly shaking friend, her ears closely listening to her patient’s breathing pattern as she was finishing her task. She looked down with worry, noticing how in the last half hour Barry’s struggle to breath had gotten worse once again. Caitlin was able to stabilize the speedster when the Captain first brought him in with the nasal canal, but the equipment wasn’t doing much help at the moment.