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Masterpieces of Short Fiction
- Narrated by: Michael Krasny
- Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Masterpieces of Short Fiction
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-19-21
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.
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- Willie Wilson
- 12-18-13
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.
5 people found this helpful
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- Zazie
- 01-23-15
Great stories - not so great lecturer
What made the experience of listening to Masterpieces of Short Fiction the most enjoyable?
The choice of short stories and authors is great.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Masterpieces of Short Fiction?
Discovering Nadine Gordimer
What three words best describe Professor Michael Krasny’s voice?
Slightly boring after Chapter 12.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
You don't make film out of this.
2 people found this helpful
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- sin sin minkin
- 06-14-19
Inspiring
Krasny is a great lecturer; I not only understand and believe his points of view, he's inspired me to read and write more short fiction.
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Performance
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- D. Cook
- 08-08-18
Don't expect to be entertained, Dry
Life is too short for this.
The lecturer drones humorlessly to a silent crowd.
I can see why this was on offer, I hope I can get my credit back.