Conto - Brasil Escola

Summary

In this video, the speaker delves into the art of writing short stories, emphasizing their brevity and depth. They discuss the characteristics of the genre, touching on its ability to captivate the reader quickly and leave a lasting impact. The speaker references renowned authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Julio Cortázar, and Brazilian writers such as Machado de Assis and Clarice Lispector. They explore how short stories differ from novels in structure, length, and complexity, highlighting the importance of surprise endings. The video encourages readers to explore these writers' works, particularly recommending Machado de Assis’ 'A Cartomante.'

Takeaways

• 😀 The short story (conto) is a popular narrative form in Brazil, loved for its brevity and intensity.
• 😀 The core genre of the short story is the narrative, which involves characters, a narrator, a conflict, a climax, and a resolution.
• 😀 Defining the exact length of a short story is difficult, as it varies based on formatting, but it is generally meant to be read in one sitting.
• 😀 Famous short story writers include Edgar Allan Poe, Julio Cortázar, Machado de Assis, Clarice Lispector, and Lygia Fagundes Telles.
• 😀 The short story differs from the novel, which is longer and more detailed, often involving stereotypical characters and more elaborate settings.
• 😀 A key feature of the short story is its ability to build a surprise or twist (climax), leaving the reader intrigued by the conclusion.
• 😀 Unlike the novel, which often portrays everyday life, the short story can cover various themes such as fantasy, mystery, or horror.
• 😀 Short stories tend to be concise and focused, with descriptions only given for what is essential to the plot.
• 😀 Anton Chekhov emphasized that short stories should avoid unnecessary details and only focus on what is directly relevant to the narrative.
• 😀 In the context of Brazilian literature, microfiction (tiny short stories) has gained attention, with authors like Marcelino Freire highlighting extreme brevity in storytelling.
• 😀 Julio Cortázar made a memorable comparison between short stories and novels, suggesting that while novels win by points over time, short stories achieve a knockout punch through a sudden and impactful ending.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video is about the short story (conto), a narrative form that is highly popular in Brazil, and the video explores its characteristics and notable authors.

What is the primary typology of a short story?

The primary typology of a short story is narrative, meaning it tells a story with a character, a conflict, a climax, and a resolution.

Why is it difficult to define the exact length of a short story?

It is difficult to define the exact length of a short story because the number of pages or words can vary depending on the way the work is formatted and printed by different publishers.

Who are some of the prominent authors known for writing short stories?

Some prominent authors known for writing short stories include Edgar Allan Poe, Julio Cortázar, Machado de Assis, Clarice Lispector, and Lygia Fagundes Telles.

How does a short story differ from a novel in terms of length and complexity?

A short story is much shorter and more concise than a novel. Unlike novels, which can be lengthy and involve detailed character development, short stories aim for a quick and impactful narrative, often focusing on a single event or twist.

What is the general structure of a short story?

A short story generally involves a brief narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It typically presents a conflict, builds up to a climax, and concludes with a resolution or twist.

What makes the short story genre so captivating for readers?

The short story genre is captivating because it provides a quick, intense experience. It often features a twist or unexpected ending, drawing readers in with its fast-paced, concise storytelling.

What is the role of description in a short story compared to a novel?

In a short story, description is minimized to only what's essential for the narrative, unlike in a novel where there may be more detailed descriptions of settings and characters.

What is a micro-story, and who popularized this concept in Brazil?

A micro-story is an extremely brief short story, often just a sentence or two long, that still encapsulates all the essential elements of a short story. Brazilian author Marcelino Freire popularized the concept with his collection 'Os 100 Menores Contos Brasileiros do Século.'

What comparison did Julio Cortázar make between the short story and the novel?

Julio Cortázar compared the short story to a knockout punch in a boxing match, where the ending is sudden and surprising, while the novel is more like a drawn-out victory by points.