Introduction to Novels and Short Stories

1

• Introduction to Novels and Short Stories

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Comparison and Contrast of the Short Story and
Novel
Plot SS Usually have a single plot line Novel
can have Complex interweaving plots and
subplots Characters Novel can introduce more
characters It is easier for characters to be
dynamic and round and complex
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Compare Contrast Novel and Short StoryPlot

• Novel
• can have Complex interweaving plots and subplots

• SS
• Usually have a single plot line

4
Characters

• SS
• Usually has fewer than 5 characters
• most characters are static

• Novel
• can introduce more characters
• Its easier for characters to be dynamic and
  round and complex

5
Theme

• SS generally follows one main theme
• Setting
• SS Usually has a single setting and short time
  frame while a novel may have multiple settings.

• Novel may have many themes
• Novel May have multiple settings.

6
Existentialism and the Absurd

• A philosophical belief that once we exist we can
  know our essence. The focus is on individual
  choice freedom and responsibility.
• Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55) is first to mention
  it
• The philosophy is accompanied by an world of
  nothingness, nihilism, feelings of emptiness
• If man tries to find meaning he discovers only
  absurdity and meaninglessness.
• Theistic and atheistic branches
• The (Cry) www. Thecry.com/estentialism/

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Theatre of the Absurd

• Thought is irrational
• Dialogue hides meaning rather than illuminates
  and brings confusion rather than clarity
• Action is illogical and the world is chaotic
• Started after the War to end all wars.
• People felt overwhelmed, disoriented, and
  powerless. Behavior had become irrational
• Follows existentialism
• Http//members.aol.com/KatharenaE/private/Philo/Ex
  istentialism/TA.html

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Surrealism

• Between World War I and II
• Surrealism Manifesto 1924
• It joins the conscious and unconscious so that
  the lines of dream and reality are blurred.
• www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/surrealsim