The characters in these short stories are usually well - rounded. They can be ordinary people like fishermen, farmers, or housewives, and their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams are explored in detail. This makes the stories relatable not only to Malayalam readers but also to a wider audience interested in human stories.
One famous Malayalam short story is 'Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikal' by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. His stories often blend humor and the simple yet profound lives of ordinary people.
Often, they are deeply rooted in the local culture. For example, they might feature the unique festivals, food, and family structures of Kerala. This gives them a distinct flavor.
Malayalam short stories often have rich descriptions of the local landscape and culture. For example, they might describe the backwaters, coconut groves, and traditional houses in Kerala. The characters are usually well - drawn, with their own quirks and values. They also tend to deal with family relationships, social hierarchies, and the impact of modernity on traditional ways of life.
Many Malayalam short stories focus on the relationships between family members, friends, and neighbours. These relationships are explored in depth, showing the complex emotions, love, hatred, jealousy, and loyalty that exist within them. The stories can be both heart - warming and thought - provoking in this regard.
Malayalam short stories often have a strong sense of place. They are deeply rooted in the Kerala landscape, be it the backwaters, the villages or the small towns. This gives the stories a unique flavor.
One famous Malayalam short story is 'Vanka'. It vividly portrays the life of a young boy in a difficult situation. Another great one is 'The Walls' which delves into themes of isolation and human nature. 'Punishment in Kindergarten' is also well - known, exploring childhood experiences and the impact they can have on a person's life.
One characteristic is the rich use of the Malayalam language. The words and phrases are often chosen to create a vivid picture of the settings, which are usually in Kerala. Another is the focus on human relationships, like family, friendship, and love. They also tend to have a strong cultural underpinning.
Many new Malayalam short stories are more inclusive in terms of characters. They feature diverse voices, including those from marginalized communities. Also, the writing styles are evolving. Some authors are using a more stream - of - consciousness approach, which gives a different feel compared to the traditional Malayalam short story writing.
Many Malayalam short horror stories also deal with themes of karma and the afterlife. Characters may face the consequences of their past actions in a very spooky and supernatural way. There is often a build - up of suspense, slowly leading the reader into the heart of the horror, rather than just jumping straight into the scares.
They also tend to explore complex human emotions. In 'Aadujeevitham', the protagonist's feelings of isolation, hope, and despair are vividly portrayed. These novels are not just stories but a mirror to the society. They show the social, economic, and political situations of the times. For instance, many novels reflect the caste system and its impact on people's lives in Kerala. The language used in these novels is also a key feature. It is rich and nuanced, often using local idioms and expressions that give a unique flavor to the stories.