One of the genre varieties of prose is a short story. What kind of narrative is this you will learn from this article.
Definition of the term
Novella - what is it? This term denotes a form of narrative prose genre characterized by brevity, sharp plot, neutral style of presentation, lack of psychologism and unexpected denouement. In Russian literary criticism, it is customary to distinguish between the terms "short story" and "short story". However, the differences between the two are very blurred. According to the version of B. M. Eichenbaum, the short story is plot, while the story is characterized by a more psychological and reflective manner of storytelling. Goethe called the subject of the novel "an accomplished unheard of event." B. V. Tomashevsky interpreted the word "story" as a specifically Russian synonym for the term "short story". This opinion is justified, since in most languages the distinction between these two concepts is not made at all.
Genetic Origins
The "short story" genre goes back to folk tales, fables, parables and anecdotes. Wandering folklore tales of the Middle Ages degenerated over time into complexly structured collections, in which everyday and magical elements were intertwined: “The Ocean of Tales”, “Panchatantra”, “Sindbadova Book”, “Khazar-Efsan”, “Thousand and One Nights”. In all these works there are the beginnings of a modern short story. This form of narration differs from a joke not in a comic, but in a sentimental or tragic plot. From a fable, a lack of edification. In the short story, magic is perceived as something supernatural, and in this it differs from a fairy tale.
Classic short story
In the Renaissance, the main features of this genre were determined. A classic short story should include the plot, climax and denouement. Exposition in the work is optional. But above all, this genre is notable for its unexpected “falconry” turn (pointe), which, according to Aristotle, corresponds to the moment of recognition or upheaval. For example, V. Shklovsky described the novel not as a narrative of mutual happy love, but as a description of love with obstacles that the heroes are trying to overcome. The most famous collection of short stories in the Renaissance was the "Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio.
Novel in History
Novella - what is it? Each literary era answered this question in different ways. Romanticism left an imprint of mysticism on this genre. In Hoffmann's Sandman, the line between real events and their interpretation in the hero’s mind is erased. Up to the onset of the era of realism, the novella lacked psychologism and philosophy; the hero’s inner world could be judged by his actions. The author never gave his assessments of what is happening. With the advent of realism, the novel in its classic version almost disappears. This genre is being replaced by other types of prose. In Russia, the story comes first, which for a long time was a kind of novel. A. Pushkin, N. Gogol, W. Marlinsky, V. Odoevsky - recognized masters of short narration.
Best works
Stories, short stories of different years invariably attract the attention of the modern reader. This genre carries the beginnings of mysticism, science fiction, and detective story. In the mid-19th century, Edgar Poe wrote amazing mystical works, such as The Falls of the Asher House, Ligeya, The Story of the Steep Mountains, and William Wilson. This writer stands at the origins of the development of adventurous (The Golden Beetle) and detective (short stories about the detective Dupin) prose. Invariably popular are the stories of O. Henry. This master of comic paradoxes invented a novel with a double twist, false and real, for which the reader is unprepared. The stories "Gifts of the Magi", "The Leader of the Redskins", "Russian Sables", "Tildy's Debut" are read in one breath. Novella - what is it? Prosper Marimet, Guy de Maupassant, Tofil Gauthier, Anton Chekhov, Conan Doyle, Ludwig Tick - each of these authors answered this question in different ways and proved that in the genre of small prose you can create real masterpieces.