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Questions and Answers
According to Edgar Allan Poe, how long should a short story ideally take to read?
According to Edgar Allan Poe, how long should a short story ideally take to read?
Which description best summarizes D Canner's view of the short story?
Which description best summarizes D Canner's view of the short story?
What is a key characteristic of the style in short stories according to Lan Reid?
What is a key characteristic of the style in short stories according to Lan Reid?
What is suggested about the origin of the short story?
What is suggested about the origin of the short story?
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What criticism is mentioned regarding the conception of the short story?
What criticism is mentioned regarding the conception of the short story?
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What does Poe's essay 'The Philosophy of Composition' primarily focus on?
What does Poe's essay 'The Philosophy of Composition' primarily focus on?
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Study Notes
Different Definitions of Short Story by Scholars
- Edgar Allan Poe is regarded as the father of the short story genre, emphasizing that it should be read in one sitting, typically taking between thirty minutes to two hours.
- Short stories can vary in length, generally ranging from one thousand to twenty thousand words.
- Poe distinguishes short stories from novels, classifying them as brief prose narratives.
- D. Canner views the short story as a "Personal Composition," highlighting its introspective nature.
- Lan Reid characterizes short story style as compressed, utilizing symbolic language to create a moment of illumination or revelation, where the whole meaning surpasses the sum of its parts.
The Origin of the Short Story
- The short story can trace its roots back to oral traditions, where storytelling was derived from real events and experiences.
- The conception of the short story may be linked to a European literary tradition, which some argue is not aligned with the oral storytelling culture of Africa, especially in its written form.
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Description
Explore the various definitions of the short story as presented by influential scholars, particularly Edgar Allan Poe. This quiz delves into the characteristics and essential elements that differentiate short stories from novels and their significance in literature.