One characteristic is their simplicity. Since they are short, they often focus on one main idea or event. For example, in many old short stories, there is a single conflict that drives the narrative.
Sure. 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry is an old and very short yet touching story. It's about a young couple who are very poor but sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other.
In 'A Very Old Man' short story, perhaps the old man is a symbol of a bygone era. His character could be used to contrast with the modern world, highlighting the values and traditions that are fading away. The story might also touch on his relationships with younger generations, and how they either respect or misunderstand his ways.
Focus on one key idea. For instance, if you want to write about hope, build a short story around a single image like a flower growing through a crack in the pavement.
The two short stories are quite different. 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' is set in a more earthly and perhaps more cynical world where people are quick to judge and take advantage. The story makes us question our humanity. 'The Little Prince', on the other hand, is a fable - like story that takes us on a journey through the stars. It's full of simple yet profound wisdom about friendship, love, and what really matters in life. The Little Prince's encounters with the fox and the different planet - dwellers are all lessons in different aspects of life, while 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' is more about how people react to the unknown and different.
The story is full of magical realism. The old man with wings is a strange and mysterious figure. He represents the unknown and the incomprehensible. His presence in the village causes different reactions from the villagers, from curiosity to exploitation.
In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the setting plays an important role. It reflects the small - mindedness of the villagers. They are quick to judge the old man based on his appearance rather than his possible significance. The wings might symbolize the otherworldly or the divine, but the villagers are too ignorant to understand.
The wings of the old man can be seen as a symbol of the divine or the angelic. But in the context of the story, they are also a source of his misfortune as people misunderstand and mistreat him.