Hemingway’s famous, six word short story can easily have a strong effect on any person interested in literature, or in fact anybody. Leith, in his article “A life in six words”, clearly shows his enthusiasm of this intriguing way of writing. Although, it seems he himself is unsure of how to take the story. As it is shown that he sees it as a good piece of writing; referring to it as a “nugget”, which on the other hand could also be misconstrued as a negative metaphor.
Although enthusiastic, Leith is rather critical of these types of writing, mainly keeping the mood of his article quite light and also to some extent humorous. “Writing something this brief, therefore, though it can be the glorious occasion for a cheap laugh, also offers the chance for real artistry. Haiku isn’t for kids.” Even though throughout the extract he explains why these stories can be great pieces of literature, he quickly refers back to a witty joke or a light critical comment. This could show that Leith is therefore not necessarily passionate for the writing, most definitely not seeing them as serious art forms, and his light humour and language throughout shows that he is more fond of the fact the pieces can be seen as funny limericks; which would be his attraction to them.
I personally enjoy the types of mini-saga’s / short stories that do not give too much away. I believe the main purpose of such pieces of writing is to keep the reader hooked and letting their mind go to wherever they would like it to. For example, “The pursuit of youth” and the “1955, 1997” writings both allow the reader to complete or extend the story. For example “1955, 1997” shows two letters one from the son to his mother and vice versa forty or so years on, saying the exact same heartless thing; “Nonsense! Chin up.” The sense of irony and the anger the boy clearly feels towards his mother makes the reader wonder what other reasons there may have been behind the obvious that his mother did the same to him. Anything that lets your mind wander like these stories, are the types which I would award the ‘winning’ entry.
