One characteristic is their brevity. They can convey a complete idea or story in a relatively short space. Another is often having a single, focused theme. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the theme of selfless love is very prominent. Also, they can be very impactful despite their short length, like 'The Lottery' which makes you think a lot about human nature.
Well, many 1930s short stories often reflected the hardships of the Great Depression. They might focus on the struggles of ordinary people, like unemployment and poverty. The writing style could be quite straightforward to convey the tough times clearly.
Many 1940's short stories had a sense of urgency. Writers were trying to capture the momentous events of the era. They were also influenced by the political climate. In some countries, stories might promote certain ideologies related to the war effort. Stylistically, there was a tendency towards more straightforward and concise writing, as the shorter form was suitable for the fast - paced and often chaotic times. The stories were a way for people to process the rapid changes around them.
They often had a sense of post - World War I disillusionment. Characters were dealing with changing social norms and values.
Well, many 1940s short stories often reflected the social upheaval of the time. World War II was a major influence. They might deal with themes like the impact of war on individuals and families. For example, some stories showed soldiers' experiences at the front or how families coped on the home front.
Well, 1930's short stories usually had a certain sense of realism. Writers were influenced by the real - world situations around them. They might focus on the daily lives of ordinary folks, including family relationships during tough times. Some stories could be quite dark, mirroring the gloomy atmosphere of the decade. And the language was often straightforward, aiming to convey the harsh reality without much frill.
80s short stories often had a sense of post - modernist influence. They might play with narrative structures, for example, having non - linear plots. The themes were diverse, including exploration of identity, as society was changing rapidly at that time. There was also a focus on the individual's place in society.
In terms of style, the language was generally straightforward. Writers aimed to convey their messages clearly. Some well - known 1950s short stories also had a sense of nostalgia, looking back at a simpler time before the chaos of the world wars, while also dealing with the new challenges that emerged in the post - war era like consumerism and the changing role of women.
The 1917s short stories were likely to be influenced by the political situation of the time. Writers may have used their stories as a means to comment on the war, the power struggles, or the emerging ideologies. In terms of characters, they could be depicting the common people affected by the war, the soldiers, or the politicians. The settings of these stories might be dominated by the war - torn landscapes or the home fronts where families were waiting for their loved ones to return. And the plot might revolve around the challenges and experiences that these characters faced during that tumultuous period.
Akutagawa's short stories often feature complex psychological portrayals. His characters are typically in moral or existential dilemmas. For example, in 'Rashomon', the characters' actions are driven by their desperate situations and the breakdown of moral values in a harsh world.
The best 2010s short stories usually have a strong sense of character development in a short space. Take 'The Husband Stitch'. In just a few pages, it creates complex and memorable characters. They also often have a subversive element, challenging the status quo in society, whether it's about gender roles, as in some feminist short stories of the decade, or about economic disparities.