Less is more
In this month’s masterclass, Helen M Walters analyses a story where economical writing creates a powerful impact
Helen M Walters
This month’s story is a perfect demonstration of the fact that, in short story writing, less can very often be more. The Last Night Of The World by Ray Bradbury is, at around 1,500 words, a lot shorter than many of the stories we’ve considered in these masterclasses, but it packs a hell of a punch. As usual, you will gain most from this discussion if you read the story for yourself. You can read it here: https://writ.rs/lastnightoftheworld
The story was originally published in Esquire magazine in 1951 and the historical context is important. Just after the end of the Second World War and as the Cold War was gathering pace, an imagining of the end of the world was something that will have resonated with many.
At the beginning of the story we find ourselves with a married couple, in a setting of perfect domesticity, calmly discussing the fact that the world, and they with it, is about to come to an end. Notice how the story begins with a shattering question. There is no gradual build up, just an immediate posing of the question that will inform the rest of the story.
Note also how the calm details of domesticity – the pouring of coffee, the children playing on the rug – contrast so sharply with the enormity of the question and the theme that unfolds. The everyday domesticity is jolted out of focus as the couple come face to face with the realisation that they are facing their last night on earth.