What are the characteristics of 20th century short stories?

The 19th and 20th century short stories were often a reflection of the times. In the 19th century, for example, short stories in America might focus on the frontier experience or the growth of cities. In the 20th century, with two world wars, stories were influenced by the trauma and changes brought about by these events. Many authors used short stories as a way to quickly capture the essence of the era.

They often had a moral lesson. For example, many stories by Hans Christian Andersen were full of morals for the readers. Also, they usually had a well - defined setting, like the Victorian England in Dickens' works.

They often had simple plots. For example, many focused on a single event or a brief period in a character's life.

They tend to reflect the social changes of the 20th century that affected women. Such as the fight for women's suffrage and the entry of women into the workforce. These events are often mirrored in the plot and character development.

They often had complex characters. For example, the hero might be a brooding, Byronic type. And the settings were usually very detailed, like the grand mansions or the beautiful countryside in England. Also, there was a strong sense of propriety and social class differences which added to the drama.

They often feature strong emotions like love and passion. The settings are usually picturesque, such as old castles or beautiful natural landscapes. Characters are highly individualistic and may be rebels against society.

They often had a focus on realism. Writers depicted the harsh realities of life at that time, such as poverty, social inequality, and the struggles of the working class. For example, in some stories, characters faced difficult working conditions in factories.

One characteristic is the exploration of female interiority. Writers often delved deep into the thoughts and emotions of their female characters. For instance, a story might focus on a woman's insecurities about her appearance or her place in society.

They often focus on female empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles. For example, stories might depict women breaking free from domestic confinement.

The 20th - century British short stories also show the influence of the changing times. The two World Wars had a huge impact on society and this is reflected in the stories. Writers often explored the trauma, the changes in values, and the new social structures that emerged after the wars. This can be seen in the works of many authors of that era, who used their short stories as a medium to express the zeitgeist of the time.