Poe's theory of the short story is all about creating a powerful and focused impression. He believed that a short story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and that every detail should work towards a unified emotional or intellectual outcome for the reader.
Poe's theory about short stories holds that they should aim to create a specific emotional response in the reader through a tightly focused narrative. It also stresses the importance of a quick buildup to a climactic moment and a surprise ending.
Well, in Poe's theory of the short story, unity of effect is crucial. This means that every element in the story, from the plot to the setting, characters, and even the language used, should work together to produce one dominant effect. For example, if the desired effect is horror, then all aspects of the story should contribute to that sense of horror. The length of the short story also matters. It should be short enough to hold the reader's attention and not diffuse the intended effect. And the initial setting and atmosphere need to be established quickly to draw the reader in.
Poe's theory of the short story has influenced modern writing in multiple ways. His emphasis on unity of effect has led modern writers to be more meticulous in their construction of stories. They ensure that all parts of the story, from the smallest detail to the overall arc, contribute to the main emotional or intellectual response they want to evoke. The brevity that Poe championed is highly relevant today, especially in an age where readers have less time and shorter attention spans. Many modern short story collections feature stories that are short yet impactful, following Poe's lead. Additionally, Poe's focus on mood and atmosphere has inspired modern writers to be more creative in their use of setting, description, and language to set the mood. For instance, in horror short stories, writers use Poe - like techniques to create a spine - chilling atmosphere, and in love stories, they use language and description to create a romantic mood.
The ending of Poe's short stories can be quite diverse. For example, in 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' the narrator's guilt catches up with him. But in 'The Fall of the House of Usher,' the ending is filled with a sense of decay and doom.
The significance of Poe's first short story lies in its establishment of his unique writing style. It often introduced elements that would become his trademarks, like a focus on the macabre and psychological depth.