Edgar Allan Poe, the American author and critic, laid down several requirements for the short story genre. In his essay "The Philosophy of Composition," he emphasized the importance of creating a unified effect or impression on the reader. According to Poe, a short story should strive to achieve a single, intended emotional or psychological response.
Poe believed that brevity was crucial, stating that a short story should ideally be read in one sitting, enabling the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story's atmosphere and plot. He stressed the need for concise storytelling, eliminating any unnecessary elements and distractions.
Additionally, Poe emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere of suspense, fear, or horror. He believed that a successful short story should evoke intense emotions in the reader and elicit a sense of fascination or unease throughout.
Furthermore, Poe advocated for the inclusion of a unique and surprising narrative hook or plot twist. He believed in the power of unexpected events and revelations, encouraging writers to captivate their readers with a carefully crafted twist that would leave a lasting impact.
Overall, Poe's requirements for the short story genre revolved around achieving a focused and powerful effect on the reader, prioritizing brevity, suspense, an engrossing atmosphere, and a well-executed narrative twist.
Briefly describe Poe's requirements for the short story genre.
1 answer
1 answer