They often had a moral lesson. For example, many stories by Hans Christian Andersen were full of morals for the readers. Also, they usually had a well - defined setting, like the Victorian England in Dickens' works.
Well, in 19th - century short stories, complex characters were common. Think about the tortured souls in Edgar Allan Poe's tales. And the language was often quite elaborate, with long, descriptive passages that painted vivid pictures of the time and place.
The 19th and 20th century short stories were often a reflection of the times. In the 19th century, for example, short stories in America might focus on the frontier experience or the growth of cities. In the 20th century, with two world wars, stories were influenced by the trauma and changes brought about by these events. Many authors used short stories as a way to quickly capture the essence of the era.
One characteristic is the diversity of themes. They often explored modern life, such as the impact of industrialization and urbanization. For example, in some stories, the alienation of individuals in the big city was a common theme.
They often had simple plots. For example, many focused on a single event or a brief period in a character's life.
They often had simple yet profound themes. For example, many focused on the social issues of the time like class differences. The language was usually more formal compared to modern short stories.
They tend to reflect the social changes of the 20th century that affected women. Such as the fight for women's suffrage and the entry of women into the workforce. These events are often mirrored in the plot and character development.
Well, they were highly influenced by the political and social climate of the time. With the American colonies striving for independence, stories sometimes carried messages of freedom and self - governance. The characters in these short stories were often ordinary people, like farmers or tradesmen, whose lives were a microcosm of the larger American society. This made the stories relatable and helped in the formation of a shared American cultural experience.
The 20th - century British short stories also show the influence of the changing times. The two World Wars had a huge impact on society and this is reflected in the stories. Writers often explored the trauma, the changes in values, and the new social structures that emerged after the wars. This can be seen in the works of many authors of that era, who used their short stories as a medium to express the zeitgeist of the time.
They often focus on female empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles. For example, stories might depict women breaking free from domestic confinement.
They often had a focus on realism. Writers depicted the harsh realities of life at that time, such as poverty, social inequality, and the struggles of the working class. For example, in some stories, characters faced difficult working conditions in factories.
They often feature strong emotions like love and passion. The settings are usually picturesque, such as old castles or beautiful natural landscapes. Characters are highly individualistic and may be rebels against society.