Classic Novellas:
Longer than a Short Story; Shorter than a Novel
In-Person – 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm
March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17
Broad, generic distinctions exist between the short story and the novel—with respect to length, numbers of characters, plots, sub-plots and themes. Novellas—long short stories, or short novels—bear some of the same characteristics and distinctions; however, it is not a precise science. Suffice it to say, the novellas chosen for this class—ranging from light-hearted, to science fiction, to gothic—are all great works of literature and worthy of our attention. Full appreciation of the works to be discussed will be enhanced by reading these novellas in advance of class and, where possible, links will be provided. Summaries, analyses and biographical materials on the authors will also be provided to enhance your experience. We encourage inclusive group discussion.
- Week 1: Eve’s Diary, Mark Twain; Benito Cereno, Herman Melville
- Week 2: The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy; The Jew, Ivan Turgenev
- Week 3: The Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka
- Week 4: The Time Machine, H.G. Wells; The Turn of the Screw, Henry James
- Week 5: The Dead, James Joyce; The Return of the Soldier, Rebecca West
- Week 6: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, James Weldon Johnson
Art Gang has a BA from NYU, a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a MA in American Studies from Fairfield University. After retiring from 40 years of legal practice, he has taught in adult education programs, and served as a docent at the Fairfield University Museum. He serves as President of the Fairfield County Chorale, an extraordinary musical organization.