Check my answer?
Is the Doll's house by Katherine Mansfield considered a modern short story or a traditional short story?
I think it is considered a modern short story because it uses dramatic irony, and and is concerned with character development and psychological overtones.
To me, the "Modern Short Story" is defined by social realism, imaginative settings or objects, and a tendency to the exotic. In my definition, Doll's house does all these.
What is the definition of a "modern" short story as you have been given it, Justine? There are as many "definitions" as there are critics, it seems. "Traditional" stories are often defined as "tales" as in the Arabian Nights, or fables, as in Aesop's Fables, with rather loose plots and "stock" or archetypal characters. "Modern" stories have a well-crafted plot with emphasis on character development. Others define "modern" stories as having little or no plot, per se, with indecipherable meaning. They may describe an event, usually fictional, that just happens to the person described with no particular relationship to the world around him or her. What definition have you been given?
Your answer is correct!
"The Doll's House" by Katherine Mansfield is indeed considered a modern short story. It incorporates various elements that are commonly associated with modernist literature, including the use of dramatic irony, emphasis on character development and psychological exploration. These aspects differ from the traditional short stories that often focused on simpler plots and moral lessons.
Your answer seems to be on the right track. "The Doll's House" by Katherine Mansfield is indeed considered a modern short story. One way to check if your answer is correct is to look for evidence in the story that supports your assertion. In the case of "The Doll's House," you can identify several elements that align with modern short story conventions.
Firstly, the use of dramatic irony is a key feature of many modern short stories. In "The Doll's House," the reader is privy to knowledge that the characters are unaware of, which creates tension and produces a sense of irony.
Secondly, the focus on character development is a characteristic of modern short stories. Mansfield explores the internal lives of the characters in "The Doll's House," providing insights into their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This emphasis on psychological depth reflects a modernist approach to storytelling.
Finally, the presence of psychological overtones in the story further supports its classification as a modern short story. Mansfield delves into themes such as social class, power dynamics, and societal expectations, adding complexity to the narrative.
By analyzing these elements in "The Doll's House," you can confidently conclude that it is indeed considered a modern short story.