Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Controlling the narrative is a fundamental tool in any form of communication, and this is particularly true when exploring the universe of the Portuguese language. The short story genre has distinctive characteristics that make it a powerful tool for teaching and learning this language. Its concise structure, focus on few characters, limited time and space, and central conflict capture the reader's attention. The study of narrative typology, especially of the short story genre, allows students to enhance their critical analysis skills, synthesizing narrative components and elements into a dense and striking literary experience.

Contextualization

Inserted in the Portuguese curriculum of the 7th grade of Elementary School, the study of narrative typology, focusing on the short story genre, is an essential foundation for the development of students' reading and writing skills. They will have the opportunity to analyze, interpret, and create short stories, using the concepts covered to guide their reflections. By understanding the elements that make up a short story, such as character characterization, narrative time and space, plot, and resolution, students will be better prepared to explore other forms of writing and literature. Later on, this knowledge can be extended to analyses of novels, plays, movies, and various other narrative contexts. Thus, the study of narrative typology becomes a solid basis for quality literary education and, consequently, for the integral formation of students.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Characterization of Characters: Each character in a short story plays a vital role in the narrative structure. The way they are described, as well as their actions, thoughts, and dialogues, establishes the individual's personality. In general, in a short story, we have few but strong and well-defined characters.

• Narrative Time and Space: The setting where the story takes place and its temporal location help create the mood and atmosphere of the short story. The temporal concentration is generally short, while the space is limited, contributing to the characteristic brevity of the short story.

• Plot and Storyline: The plot is the sequence of events that occur in the story, while the storyline is the way the writer organizes and presents these events. In a short story, the storyline tends to be simple and direct, with a clear focus on the development of the central conflict.

• Central Conflict: The central conflict is the driving force of the narrative. In a short story, this tension is often presented explicitly and resolved unexpectedly or surprisingly in the resolution.

• Resolution: The resolution represents the end of the narrative, the resolution of the conflict. In a short story, the resolution is typically quick and has a strong emotional impact.

Key Terms

• Narrative: The art of telling a story. It can be done in various forms, including short stories, novels, plays, among others.

• Short Story Genre: One of the shortest and most concise literary forms. It generally presents a central conflict and an unexpected or surprising resolution.

• Character: An individual, animal, or fictional being that participates in a story. In general, the short story has few characters, allowing for a more in-depth focus on characterization.

• Plot: Sequence of events that occur in the story.

• Resolution: The final resolution of the conflict, which usually occurs at the end of the narrative.

Examples and Cases

• "The Alienist" by Machado de Assis: This classic short story by Machado de Assis perfectly exemplifies the components of a short story. The characterization of the main character, Simão Bacamarte, is carefully constructed, the narrative time and space are limited, the plot revolves around Bacamarte's central conflict about the nature of madness, and the surprising resolution leaves a strong impression on the reader.

• "The Man Who Counted" by Malba Tahan: This popular short story by Malba Tahan brilliantly explores character characterization. The protagonist, Beremiz Samir, is an illustrious calculator whose mathematical skills help him solve various challenges that make up the plot of the short story. The resolution, although predictable in a sense, is still rewarding for the reader.

• "The Secret Cause" by Machado de Assis: In this short story by Machado de Assis, the focus is on building the conflict and the emotional impact of the resolution. The reader is led to follow the character Fortunato, a dentist who is a big fan of torture sessions. The surprising resolution, in which Fortunato's secret cause is revealed, shocks and moves the reader.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Definition of Short Story: Understanding the characteristic nature of the short story genre is essential. A short story is a brief narrative, usually focusing on a single central conflict and presenting an unexpected or surprising resolution.

• Components of the Short Story: Understanding the various components that make up a short story, such as character characterization, narrative time and space, plot, central conflict, and resolution, is fundamental for an in-depth study of this genre.

• Characterization of Characters, Narrative Time and Space: A detailed exploration of these components in a short story is paramount. The limited narrative time and space contribute to the brevity of the short story, while character characterization, even with few actors, is rich, deep, and strategic for the narrative development.

• Plot and Storyline, Central Conflict, Resolution: These are the pillars that sustain the structure of the short story. The way the writer organizes and presents events, the driving force behind the story, and its final resolution are aspects that bring the genre to life.

• Knowledge through Examples: Deepening the understanding of the short story genre through the analysis of classic examples, such as "The Alienist" and "The Secret Cause" by Machado de Assis, and "The Man Who Counted" by Malba Tahan, demonstrates in practice the concepts and components taught in this lesson.

Conclusions

• Mastery of narrative typology, specifically the short story genre, is a skill that allows the reader to have a deeper and more enriching literary experience.

• The ability to analyze and synthesize the components of a short story, such as character characterization, narrative time and space, plot, and resolution, is crucial not only for the study of literature but also for the development of communication and textual interpretation skills.

• The study of narrative typology through classic examples reinforces and consolidates theoretical concepts, demonstrating in practice how these components work in a narrative.

Suggested Exercises

1. Analysis of Short Stories: Ask students to choose a famous short story, read it, and then make a detailed analysis of the studied components, justifying their conclusions with evidence from the text.

2. Creation of Short Story: Challenge students to write their own short story, taking care to include all the components discussed in class. The short stories can be shared among peers for further reading and analysis.

3. Comparison of Short Stories: Provide students with several short stories from different authors and genres. Ask them to compare and contrast the short stories, focusing on how the components are used and how they contribute to the reading experience.