Masterpieces of Short Fiction

By: Michael Krasny, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Michael Krasny

More than simply a shorter version of the novel, the short story is a unique and rewarding literary form in itself. It offers a world in miniature faithfully captured by the author's mastery of character, plot, setting, image, and theme. The time it takes to read a short story may be brief, but its impact lasts much longer.

Short story writers see by the light of the flash," says author and Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer. "Theirs is the art of the only thing that one can be sure of - the present moment."

These 24 lectures guide you deep into 23 renowned works written by some of the acknowledged masters of the genre, illuminating the remarkable variety, breathtaking artistry, and profound themes to be found in such miniature masterpieces as Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," Isaac Babel's "My First Goose," Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers," Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," and more.

Using examples from the stories themselves, Professor Krasny illuminates each author's virtuosic development of character, plot, setting, imagery, theme, and language. As you progress through the course, you hone your ability to recognize and assess these elements.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2008 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2008 The Great Courses

Worthwhile overview

I found this to be an enjoyable course. It focuses on masters but still introduced me to some new pieces or authors. I breezed through the course and read some of the originals/bought a few short story collections after a given author was discussed. my only (slight) criticism is similar to others voiced in that I wish he went into a little bit more depth about why a given author's prose or narrative makes a piece great. Very worth a listen regardless though.

insightful

An insightful and entertaining instructor. I wish it didn't end and that he could cover so many more authors and stories. excellent.

A Few New Ideas for Short Fiction

What did you love best about Masterpieces of Short Fiction?

I enjoyed getting another point of view for stories I often teach.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Professor Michael Krasny?

Depends on the topic.

Ultimately Disappointing

The teacher does some things well - he’s picked some important stories; he brings to bear important data around the works and their authors; and he presents the material in well structured lectures.

But what I was hungry for, I felt he was very deficient. The great literature courses from TGC feature professors who are superb at literary analysis. They break down the literature itself to get at deeper layers of meaning. This professor is only so-so in this respect. He teaches what he believes is to be learned or what is conventional to be learned. But either he can’t or he simply doesn’t do more.

So, the rating is average. And I would discourage those wanting more from taking this course.