Origins and Forms of the Short Story
A Brief Look at the Origins and Forms of the Short Story.
The short story is one of the oldest types of literature. It has existed in the form of legends, mythic tales, folk tales, fairy tales, tall tales, fables, and anecdotes in various ancient communities worldwide. While these early narratives were passed down orally or recorded in early texts, the modern short story began to take shape in the early 19th century.
A short story is a work of prose fiction that can be read in one sitting, usually between 20 minutes to an hour. There is no fixed maximum length, but most short stories range from 1,000 to 7,500 words. Some exceptional pieces may reach 10,000 or even 15,000 words. At around 10 to 25 pages, short stories are significantly shorter than novels, with only a few nearing novella length.
In terms of length, fiction is generally categorized as follows:
Novel: The longest form of narrative fiction.
Novella: A work longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.
Nouvelle: A French term, similar in length to a novella.
Short Story: Typically between 1,000 and 7,500 words.
Short, Short Story / Flash Fiction: Fiction under 1,000 words.
Microfiction: Fiction under 300 words.
Novelette: A work of narrative prose fiction that is longer than a short story but shorter than a novella.
In addition to these classifications, there are narrative techniques worth noting. One of them is mise en abyme, a literary device where an image or story contains a smaller version of itself, often used to create reflection or self-reference within the narrative.
Another stylistic concept is end-weighted sentence structure, where the more complex or “weightier” parts of a sentence or clause are placed toward the end. This not only improves clarity but also enhances the rhythm and emphasis of the sentence.
Despite their brevity, short stories can deliver intense emotional impact, deep insight, and complex characters. From traditional tales to modern experimental narratives, the short story remains one of literature’s most powerful and enduring forms.