RESPONSES TO THE SINGAPORE SHORT STORY IN ENGLISH : SOME CRITICAL ISSUES

Abstract

Literary criticism , or "theory”” as Robert Yeo terms it, is useful because it helps the reader develop a greater critical appreciation for the Singapore short story in English. Although there is little criticism on short stories, tWo responses can be outlined : a '' literary" response and a "sociological" response. This Academic Exercise is an attempt to examine these two responses to the Singapore short story in English. The aim is to assess how the responses help the reader appreciate short stories in terms of form and content. Although these responses have their merits, there are also certain limitations. Another aim is to suggest ways in which these limitations may be overcome so that the responses may be better utilized.