Obituary (short story)

An obituary (short story), as distinct from a news obituary, is a fictional narrative crafted in the style of a biographical death notice typically found in newspapers or other periodicals. This literary device can take several forms, ranging from a straightforward imitation of the factual, detached tone of a traditional obituary to a more elaborate and emotionally resonant portrayal of the deceased's life and impact.

The form allows authors to:

• Explore character: By framing a story as an obituary, the author can immediately establish a sense of the subject's significance and provide a concise overview of their life, often focusing on key moments, relationships, and achievements (or failures).

• Create dramatic irony: The reader knows the character is deceased, which can heighten the emotional impact of the narrative and create suspense as the story unfolds. The contrast between the official summary and the details revealed in the narrative can be particularly powerful.

• Experiment with perspective: The obituary may be written from the perspective of a detached third-person narrator, a close friend or family member, or even the deceased themselves (posthumously). This choice significantly shapes the reader's understanding of the character and the events described.

• Comment on societal values: The content of the obituary, the qualities that are emphasized, and the way the deceased is remembered can serve as a commentary on societal values and expectations.

• Subvert expectations: An obituary short story can challenge the conventions of the traditional obituary by focusing on the less flattering aspects of the deceased's life, revealing hidden secrets, or presenting a radically different interpretation of their actions.

Common themes explored in obituary short stories include loss, regret, memory, legacy, and the meaning of life. The structure often lends itself to concise storytelling, allowing the author to pack a significant amount of character development and narrative into a relatively small space.