Basic Components of a short story
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Components of a short story
Introduction
The length distinguishes a short story. In studying a short story, one has to look at the plot, characters, themes and style. The way they are handled distinguishes the short story from a novel. Another important feature of a story is conflict. The plot develops mainly through conflict. In this article, I am to examine one component of a short story in reference to John Updike's A&P short story.
Themes in Short Stories
A theme refers to the message the author puts across to the reader. Usually, there is one main theme and then other themes that revolve around the main theme. Themes in short stories are not as developed as in a novel.
John Updike's story is about three girls who defy social norms especially in their mode of dressing. One theme that comes out clearly is the theme of desire. When the girls walk into A&P, the male employees are full of desire. The power of desire is so profound that all men look at the girls with their sexual fully aroused. Lengel plays down this desire by confronting the girls. Queenie claims, "we are decent." (Updike 4). To lengel, the girls are going against social norms and values.
The power of arousing sexual desire especially through scanty dressing is great. We find Sammy transforming because of his desire for Queenie. This shows how powerful sexual desire is among men and how easily it can be aroused. We find the men look at the girls and behave funnily, as they make jokes about them. The girls intentions seems to be arousing this interest without necessarily falling prey to these men. This is probably the reason Lengel confronts them. He does not want to fall into the lustful desire that the girls' dress code arouses.
In studying the story, we find theme development in a short story is usually not complex. Through the simple plot, the author is able to communicate his mind in a simple but profound way. The plot moves fast and the message as well. This brings out the element of a short story that distinguishes it from the complexity of a novel. The novel usually has a complex plot and setting. The plot does not therefore move as fast.
The themes in a short story are usually not many. We find that the other theme, closely related to the theme of desire is the power of other minds. It is brought out through Sammy who is able to read other minds. He believes he can easily understand the other characters. However, he is mesmerized by the girls. He cannot understand why they behave the way they do. Sammy develops interest for Queenie which leads to his transformation. He however has to give up on Queenie.
The limited space in a short story makes the author deal with a complex theme using few words. Unlike the novel, the author does not have time to expound so much on the themes. He or she deals with just a few themes which are not developed with the intensity we find in the novel. The characters he or she uses to communicate these themes are not as developed as in the novel.
CONCLUSION
The short story needs to be studied carefully. The simplicity of the plot and lack of intensive theme development might make a reader fail to get the author's intended message.