I find that short stories leave me unaccountably depressed. Leave me with a distinctly bad feeling in my gut. I really dislike them. I've sat down this afternoon, and read three consecutively for my class, and have disliked them each. It's just not enough space. I feel like the characters are just being used as a tool by the author, and not for thier own sake. They are so blatently trying to put across some point, usually a sad one, and I hate it. It's like I feel used as a reader, manipulated for these few scenes and trying to digest thier agenda, find the secretive key to unlocking the meaning, of what they are trying to say, rather than a story for stories sake. And I don't think it is just because I am being forced to analyze them for my classwork. I've felt this way in the past too, whenever I've read them. Bleh. I just gives me an unsettled feeling, and I don't like it. And that is what I have to say about that.
Comments (14)
i disagree! i think you can wield a beautiful, CONCISE story in a small amount of space.
I am just the opposite. I love short stories. They are like little glimpses into someplace else.
I dislike most short stories. Not all but most that I have ever read.
I love short stories. And that is what I have to say about that.
YES.
I've always felt like that. Let's break that, shall we? It's possible to do a character justice in under 20,000 words. I think so. Mmm, maybe a portrait instead of a story... and keeping the underlying message at a minimum.
I am currently reading a book of short stories. I usually can figure out the ending just a couple of pages in to it. I have read only a few short stories that I have enjoyed. It's a shame.
i don't like short stories either. never have. and doubt i ever will.
Now that you mention it, I am trying to think of one I've liked...
really???? I'm surprised at everyone. I love short stories. It's like watching an episode of Lost instead of the season. There are moments of depth and often a powerful moment at the end, even without the long-term story-line.
I keep several Lit books that I got for a dollar that are full of short stories, and am making my way through them slowly.
It depends on the writer. I dislike manipulative authors who use the format to tease their characters without building much real sympathy for them. But what I like about good ones is that they can cut through all the exposition (which I find dreadfully boring) and thrust you right into the heart of the matter.
I hate short stories. I've never liked them. And when I had to read them for school (or, worse yet, teach them), it annoyed me.
The only ones that I found remotely interesting were written by Poe. But it's more because they're literary classics; I wouldn't pick up a book of short stories to read on my own.
@RizzlGrizzl - wow, who knew short stories could be so divisive?! But it seems like people tend to fall on one side of the fence or the other on this one, at least among the commenters here. I'll hopefully get over my abject dislike for them, as I'm planning to get a damn degree in literature, and even this summer, am taking a class called Short Story, so pretty much I'll get my fill of them. And hopefully find ways to appreciate the damn form of lit, even if I never can bring myself to like it.
I didn't like short stories before I started reading good ones and writing (hopefully good) ones. Have you seen my writing blog?
I've never been much of a short story fan myself. But for some reason I took an entire undergrad class devoted to the short story. It turns out that not all of them are terrible, but it's still probably my least favorite genre.