Analysis of "Laura" as a Short Story

"Laura" exemplifies many typical short story characteristics, making it an excellent example of the genre. Let's examine its features in detail:

Length and Structure

The story's brevity is a hallmark of short story structure. It can be read in approximately four minutes, aligning with the expectation that short stories should be consumable in one sitting.

Highlight: The concise length of "Laura" allows for a focused and impactful narrative, a key feature of effective short stories.

Beginning and Setting

The story immediately immerses readers in the scene, a technique common in short story writing.

Example: The narrative opens in a crowded restaurant, quickly establishing the setting and atmosphere.

Plot and Characters

Typical of short story characteristics, "Laura" features a limited cast of characters, focusing primarily on Laura and an unnamed man.

Vocabulary: Minor characters - Secondary figures in a story who play a supporting role to the main characters.

Ending

The story concludes with an open ending, a common technique in short story theory.

Highlight: The unresolved nature of Laura's anger and the man's identity creates intrigue and leaves room for reader interpretation.

Narrative Perspective

"Laura" employs a third-person limited narrator, a common narrative perspective in short stories.

Definition: Narrative Perspective - The point of view that determines how the story is told and what information is revealed to the reader.

Example: The narrator in "Laura" provides insight into Laura's thoughts and feelings while maintaining an external viewpoint.

This narrative perspective analysis reveals how the story balances internal character insights with external observations, enhancing the reader's engagement with Laura's experience.

Short Story Elements

The story incorporates the five key elements of a short story: character, setting, plot, conflict, and theme, albeit in a condensed form typical of the genre.

Highlight: The efficient use of these elements within a brief narrative demonstrates skillful short story writing.

In conclusion, "Laura" exemplifies many typical short story characteristics, from its concise length and focused character development to its use of narrative techniques like limited third-person perspective and an open ending. These features collectively contribute to its effectiveness as a short story, showcasing how the genre can create a compelling narrative within a compact format.