short narratives

"Villela, Camillo and Rita: three names, one adventure and no explanation of how it all began. Let us proceed to explain."  

(Machado de Assis, The Fortune-Teller, p.49)

The Fortune-Teller by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis has probably been my favorite reading so far this semester.  Why you ask? First off--it's short.  Maybe that's telling of the kind of student I am.  The short story element and the distinct writing style that accompanies The Fortune-Teller, is what makes it so enjoyable to read.  The quote I've chosen, in itself, isn't "deep" like past quotes but it's very telling of Machado de Assis' style.  The simple phrase, "let us proceed...," gives a unique feel and atmosphere to the rest of the story.  These words come directly from the narrator mouth; he is speaking directly to us, the audience.

While reading this story, I couldn't help but think of the unique atmosphere Machado de Assis had put me in.  I realized that I had been in this same atmosphere may times before.  I'm not big into science fiction but I do love The Twilight Zone.  The Twilight Zone is an old TV program that depicts short super natural stories.  The common element in each episode, besides strange story-lines, is the narrator/host Rod Sterling and his brief commentaries throughout the show.  Rod Sterling invites the viewer to join him as he explores the events of a bizarre place, the Twilight Zone.

Similar to Rod Sterling, Machado de Assis is present and speaking to the reader.  The reader is introduced to a dramatic and warped series of events.  At the conclusion of the intimate account of Camillo's demise we are left in a state of wonder.  The story ends abruptly and we left making connections and processing the twist we've just witnessed. The Twilight Zone is the same, the viewer is left putting the puzzle pieces together.  The elements of an intimate narrative and the "shortness" of the story are what makes these narratives so engaging.  The narrator is able to put us in a special place where we feel close to the story. Then, before we know it, the story ends; we're left with unanswered questions and left to connecting the dots.