Short stories are a form of fictional prose that typically focuses on a single character or a small group of characters. They are known for their brevity and ability to convey a powerful message in a short amount of time. Short stories often explore complex themes ...Read More
Brief Description of Short Story
Short stories are a form of fictional prose that typically focuses on a single character or a small group of characters. They are known for their brevity and ability to convey a powerful message in a short amount of time. Short stories often explore complex themes and emotions, making them a valuable literary form for both writers and readers.
Importance of Writing Essays on This Topic
Writing essays about short stories allows students and writers to closely analyze the elements of storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration. It helps to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to express ideas and interpretations effectively. Additionally, exploring short stories through essays can deepen one's understanding of human experiences and societal issues.
Tips on Choosing a Good Topic
- Consider the themes: Choose a topic that explores a specific theme or idea presented in the short story.
- Character analysis: Focus on the analysis of a particular character's development, motives, or conflicts within the short story.
- Narrative techniques: Explore the narrative structure, point of view, or symbolism used in the short story to craft an engaging topic.
Essay Topics
1. Argumentative
Essay Topics
- The impact of symbolism in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.
- Exploring moral dilemmas in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe.
2. Reflective
Essay Topics
- How "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman portrays mental illness.
- The use of irony and satire in "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor.
3. Comparative
Essay Topics
- Contrasting the themes of love and loss in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry and "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant.
- Comparing the use of setting and atmosphere in "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway and "The Storm" by Kate Chopin.
Concluding Thought
Exploring short stories through essay writing offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of human experiences, societal issues, and the art of storytelling. By choosing engaging topics and critically analyzing the elements of short stories, writers and students can gain a deeper appreciation for the power of this literary form.
"The Treasure of Lemon Brown" is a short story written by Walter Dean Myers, which explores themes of family, legacy, and the power of human connections. The story centers around the protagonist, Greg Ridley, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers an unexpected treasure in the most...
“Lamb to the Slaughter,” a short story by Roald Dahl, is a masterful example of how characterization can drive a narrative forward. In this story, the protagonist, Mary Maloney, undergoes a dramatic transformation from a seemingly docile housewife to a cunning and manipulative figure. Through...
The Euphio Question is a short story written by Kurt Vonnegut, first published in 1951. The story explores the impact of technology on human behavior and society, and it raises thought-provoking questions about the consequences of seeking constant pleasure and happiness. In this essay, we...
Joseph Conrad’s work is an apparent staple of the 20th century British canon. Few literature students manage to weave their way toward a degree without being exposed to his iconic novella Heart of Darkness. While it is undeniably a powerful piece of writing, the analysis...
“Through the Tunnel” is a poignant short story written by Doris Lessing that explores the themes of adolescence, self-discovery, and resilience. This narrative follows the protagonist, Jerry, as he embarks on a physical and emotional journey that challenges his limits and transforms him in unexpected...
Introduction Have you ever wondered how race, class, and gender intersect to shape individual identities and relationships? In Toni Morrison’s short story Recitatif, these themes are central to the narrative as the author challenges readers to reexamine their assumptions and biases. Through the lens of...
The hero’s journey is a common narrative structure found in literature, mythology, and folklore. It follows the path of a hero as they embark on a transformative adventure, facing various trials and challenges along the way. This narrative structure, popularized by scholar Joseph Campbell, has...
Introduction Haruki Murakami’s short story “The Seventh Man” is a poignant exploration of trauma, memory, and the long journey toward healing. Through the narrative of the seventh man, Murakami delves into the profound impact of a childhood tragedy on an individual’s life, examining how the...
Laden with allegories, dualisms, and symbolism, Hawthorne’s “The Birth-Mark” makes light of a variety of multi-faceted and complex issues, foremost among them those of sexuality and humanity. While the character of Aylmer seems both emotionally and intellectually secure, his obsession with perfection when applied to...
The short story “The Chloroform” by Daniela Morales is a deeply moving exploration of the themes of power, control, and the consequences of one’s actions. The story follows the protagonist, Maria, as she grapples with the traumatic events that unfold after she is drugged and...
In Thomas Wolfe’s short story “The Child By Tiger,” the author delves into the complexities of human nature and the destructive power of unchecked rage. Set in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South, the story follows the tragic events that unfold when a...
Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” is a masterful work of fiction that has enthralled readers for decades. One of the most striking aspects of the story is its mood, which is dark, foreboding, and filled with tension. The mood of “The...
Life is a series of moments, some filled with joy and others with sorrow. In the short story “Sadie Maude” by an anonymous author, the theme of livingest moments is beautifully depicted. This essay will delve into the various aspects of the theme, exploring the...
In Never Marry a Mexican, Sandra Cisneros’s protagonist Clemencia begins her narrative by recounting something her mother had told her: “never marry a Mexican”. In the next few sentences she explains the irony by clarifying that she, too, is Mexican. Clemencia internally struggles to decipher...
Edith Maude Eaton, a Chinese-American writer who wrote under the pseudonym Sui Sin Far, is known for her insightful and nuanced commentary on issues of race, gender, and identity. One of her most famous works, Mrs. Spring Fragrance, is a collection of short stories that...
“New York Day Women” by Edwidge Danticat is a short story that focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter living in New York City. The story explores themes of motherhood, immigration, and cultural identity. The protagonist, Suzette, is a young woman who struggles...
Introduction Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Young Goodman Brown” is a rich and complex work that is ripe for analysis. The story, which delves into the themes of good and evil, morality, and the nature of humanity, is also heavily laden with symbolism. Through the use...
In “Sweat” and the accounts of Zora Neale Hurston in, “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”, there are many elements of the modernist period in play. The most important being the welfare state of African Americans in America at that point in time. However,...
“The Seventh Man,” a short story by Haruki Murakami, explores the theme of trauma and its lasting impact on an individual’s life. In this essay, we will provide a summary of the story, delving into its key elements, characters, and the profound message it conveys....
In the short story “Lather and Nothing Else” by Hernando Tellez, the theme of fear plays a central role in shaping the actions and decisions of the protagonist, a barber faced with a moral dilemma. As the barber grapples with the conflicting emotions of fear...
The short story “The Red Convertible” by Louise Erdrich explores the theme of the bond between two brothers and the impact of war on their relationship. The red convertible symbolizes the connection between the brothers and their shared experiences, as well as the changes that...
“Amnesty,” a sci-fi short story by Octavia Butler, dives into power dynamics and how tricky human relationships can be. We’ll look at different parts of “Amnesty” like the plot, characters, and themes to get what Butler’s saying. By checking out the main ideas and what...
Throughout his works Young Goodman Brown, The Minister’s Black Veil, and The Birth-Mark, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses symbolism to show that all humans are inherently flawed and are sinful by nature, and teaches the lesson that you can not obsess over it or try to defeat...
In W.W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw,” the theme of hubris and its consequences is evident throughout the narrative. The story opens with the visit of Sergeant-Major Morris, who shares the tale of the magical monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. Despite Morris’s warnings...
Have you ever encountered a character in literature who seems charming and hospitable on the surface, but hides a dark and sinister side beneath? In Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady,” the titular character is a perfect example of such a complex and enigmatic figure....
“A Sorrowful Woman” is a short story written by Gail Godwin that delves into the complexities of human psychology, particularly the inner workings of a woman who experiences a deep sense of sorrow and disconnection from her role as a wife and mother. The protagonist,...
In the short story “Slower Than the Rest,” Cynthia Rylant explores the theme of individual differences and the impact they have on one’s self-esteem. The story follows Leo, a boy who is slower than his classmates in both physical and academic abilities. Through Leo’s experiences,...
‘Rules of the Game’: Art of Strength In “Rules of the Game,” Amy Tan reveals the importance of staying strong even when one may not be expected to succeed. Meimei’s mother teaches her daughter the “art of invisible strength” (497), instilling in her the value...
In her memoir, “In Order to Live,” Yeonmi Park shares her story of escape from North Korea and the harsh realities she faced as a refugee. Throughout the book, Yeonmi is candid about the physical and emotional toll escaping North Korea took on her and...
“Sunrise On The Veld” by Doris Lessing is a short story that delves into the psyche of a young boy as he witnesses the beauty and brutality of nature. Through vivid imagery and introspective narration, the story explores themes of life, death, and the inherent...
