Proof reading
What goes into making effective short fiction? Helen M Walters explores the ingredients of a good short story, and the relationship between author and editor, via an example by American author O Henry
Helen M Walters
The subject matter of this month’s story is dear to the hearts of all of us who write short stories. In Proof Of The Pudding by O Henry we meet an editor and a much-rejected writer who have differing opinions about what makes a good story. As always, you’ll get the most out of this masterclass if you read the story for yourself: https://writ.rs/proofpudding.
You’ll notice that right from the start in this story, O Henry uses some very ornate language in his descriptive writing. I particularly like the way he describes the setting that Westbrook finds himself in, and the way he uses pastoral images to bring to life a largely urban setting. The use of ‘vitreous optic’ and ‘vernal coquette’ in the first paragraph show the reader what to expect in terms of language usage. There are also references to the different ways in which words can be used to create something visual on the page. We are told that the landscape appeared a masterpiece, and we are helped to see this masterpiece through the vivid use of colour. Notice how specific the references are to the poisonous green of verdigris, the ‘pickled cucumber’ of the benches and the pale aquamarine of the sky. Later in the story, Westbrook accuses
Dawe of switching from being an artist in his writing style, to being a photographer without even the fleeting glimpse of truth a photographer can capture. It’s useful to reflect on the difference between art and photography when we think about how we use words to create an image on a page. What are the pros and cons of each? Which is more real and why? Now, let’s look a bit more closely at the two characters involved. The editor, Westbrook, is on his way up in the world. His magazine is doing well, with great sales. His publishers are pleased with him and have given him a pay rise. He has a lovely wife and all in his world is rosy.