Introduction to Novels Introduction to Novels and Short Storiesand Short Stories

Comparison and Contrast of the Short Story and Novel

Plot:SS: Usually have a single plot lineNovel can have Complex interweaving plots and subplots

Characters:Novel: can introduce more characters It is easier for characters to be dynamic and round and complex

Compare & Contrast Novel Compare & Contrast Novel and Short Storyand Short Story

PlotPlot

SS: SS:

Usually have a single Usually have a single plot lineplot line

Novel Novel

can have Complex can have Complex interweaving plots interweaving plots and subplotsand subplots

CharacterCharacters:s:

SS: SS:

Usually has fewer Usually has fewer than 5 charactersthan 5 characters

most characters are most characters are static static

NovelNovel

can introduce more can introduce more characterscharacters

It’s easier for It’s easier for characters to be characters to be dynamic and round dynamic and round and complexand complex

Theme:Theme:

SS generally follows one SS generally follows one main thememain theme

SettingSetting

SS: Usually has a single SS: Usually has a single setting and short time setting and short time frame while a novel may frame while a novel may have multiple settings.have multiple settings.

Novel may have many Novel may have many themesthemes

Novel: May have multiple Novel: May have multiple settings.settings.

Existentialism and the AbsurdExistentialism and the Absurd

A philosophical belief that once we exist we can A philosophical belief that once we exist we can know our essence. The focus is on individual know our essence. The focus is on individual choice freedom and responsibility.choice freedom and responsibility.Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55) is first to mention itSoren Kierkegaard (1813-55) is first to mention itThe philosophy is accompanied by an world of The philosophy is accompanied by an world of nothingness, nihilism, feelings of emptinessnothingness, nihilism, feelings of emptinessIf man tries to find meaning he discovers only If man tries to find meaning he discovers only absurdity and meaninglessness.absurdity and meaninglessness.Theistic and atheistic branchesTheistic and atheistic branches

The (Cry) www. Thecry.com/estentialism/The (Cry) www. Thecry.com/estentialism/

Theatre of the AbsurdTheatre of the AbsurdThought is irrationalThought is irrational

Dialogue hides meaning rather than illuminates Dialogue hides meaning rather than illuminates and brings confusion rather than clarityand brings confusion rather than clarity

Action is illogical and the world is chaoticAction is illogical and the world is chaotic

Started after the War to end all wars. Started after the War to end all wars.

People felt overwhelmed, disoriented, and People felt overwhelmed, disoriented, and powerless. Behavior had become irrationalpowerless. Behavior had become irrational

Follows existentialismFollows existentialism

Http://members.aol.com/KatharenaE/private/Philo/Existentialism/TA.htmlHttp://members.aol.com/KatharenaE/private/Philo/Existentialism/TA.html

SurrealismSurrealism

Between World War I and IIBetween World War I and II

Surrealism Manifesto 1924Surrealism Manifesto 1924

It joins the conscious and unconscious so It joins the conscious and unconscious so that the lines of dream and reality are that the lines of dream and reality are blurred.blurred.

www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/surrealsimwww.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/surrealsim