What are the pros/cons of the short story/short poem in communicating ideas?

It is short, and sticks in the mind. Crossing the Bar comes to my mind, I first heard it in Junior High School over fifty years ago. Poe's The Raven is another. O'Henry's story The Gift of the Magi is another. We remember these because they are short, to the point, and are powerful works of thought. Finally, The Gettysburg Address is another which is remembered because it is short, and powerful.

The con, I suppose is that complicated intricacies cannot be developed.

Short stories and poems are great because the point is quickly made and stays with one..... however longer stories have more time to develop characters and motivation. We learn who they are, why they behave as they do and are able to identify with them.

Novels like Tom Sawyer, Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, Don Quixote Give us an understanding that others share our problems and that we have common goals.

The pros of short stories and short poems in communicating ideas are as follows:

1. Concise and memorable: Short stories and poems stick in the mind because they are short and to the point. They quickly convey their message, making them memorable and easily recollected over time. For example, poems like "Crossing the Bar" or "The Raven" and short stories like "The Gift of the Magi" are still remembered after many years because of their brevity and powerful impact.

2. Thought-provoking: Short stories and poems often pack a punch in a short space. They can evoke strong emotions and provoke deep thoughts in the reader. Their concise nature allows them to focus on a particular theme or idea, creating a concentrated and impactful reading experience.

3. Powerful works of thought: Due to their brevity, short stories and poems can be crafted with precision and attention to detail. Authors can use concise language and techniques to convey their ideas effectively, resulting in powerful and thought-provoking works of literature.

On the other hand, one con of short stories and short poems is:

1. Limited development: Due to their brevity, short stories and poems may not have enough space for complex character development or intricate plotlines. They are often focused on conveying a specific idea or emotion, which leaves less room for detailed exploration of characters or complex storylines.

It's important to note that longer stories such as novels, like "Tom Sawyer," "Catcher in the Rye," "The Crucible," or "Don Quixote," have their own advantages. They offer more extensive space for character development, motivation, and exploration of complex themes. Novels allow readers to build deeper connections with characters and provide a broader understanding of human experiences and common goals.