Definitions of Short Story by Scholars

Questions and Answers

According to Edgar Allan Poe, how long should a short story ideally take to read?

More than three hours

One hour to two hours

Less than fifteen minutes

Anywhere from half an hour to two hours (correct)

Which description best summarizes D Canner's view of the short story?

A historical account of events

A Personal Composition (correct)

An extensive novel with rich subplots

A collection of poems in narrative form

What is a key characteristic of the style in short stories according to Lan Reid?

Compressed style with taught symbolic language (correct)

Focus on detailed character development

Narrative driven by long dialogues

Use of elaborate prose with complex structures

What is suggested about the origin of the short story?

It is rooted in oral tradition and cultural storytelling. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is mentioned regarding the conception of the short story?

It is based on a European literary tradition alien to African culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does Poe's essay 'The Philosophy of Composition' primarily focus on?

The structure and purpose of the short story Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.