Introduction
Contemporary fiction in Best American Short Stories has charted the progression of the short story genre and captured the zeitgeist of American life for over 100 years. As a barometer of both literary trends and societal shifts, the selected stories in each annual anthology illuminate the changing norms, mores, and narrative styles across decades marked by upheaval and innovation. This seminal collection provides a window into both the individual talent and collective consciousness of each era. Through examining the stories in Best American Short Stories, one can trace the development of themes, voices, and literary techniques that define contemporary fiction in the United States. This essay will analyze the evolution of contemporary fiction as demonstrated by the short stories chosen for inclusion in Best American Short Stories over the past century. It will identify major trends and innovators who have pushed the boundaries of the genre and shaped the literary landscape. By exploring the threads that connect the selected works across generations, we can better appreciate the resonant influence of this important anthology series.
The Inception and Early Years of Best American Short Stories
First published in 1915, Best American Short Stories quickly became a benchmark of artistic quality and cultural insight. In the early decades, contributions from literary luminaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Willa Cather, and Eugene O’Neill graced its pages. The post-war 1940s and ‘50s saw the rise of authors such as Flannery O’Connor and Truman Capote, who pioneered new styles of narrative prose. The cultural upheaval of the 1960s and ‘70s spurred stylistic experimentation, with postmodernist authors like Donald Barthelme gaining acclaim. The 1980s and ‘90s championed minority voices, with emerging writers like Jamaica Kincaid and Amy Tan exploring issues of race, immigration, and gender. Recent editions have captured the increasing diversity of American life through authors such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Sherman Alexie, and Junot Diaz. While specific trends shift with each generation, the exceptional skill and perceptive vision of the selected authors remains constant. Best American Short Stories continues to be a bellwether of great fiction and an illuminating voyage through the American experience.
The Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression: 1915-1930s
The short fiction anthologized in early editions of Best American Short Stories from 1915 to the 1930s provides a snapshot into the cultural preoccupations and literary styles of the World War I, Jazz Age, and Depression eras. Stories from this period exhibit the economic extravagance and societal tensions of the Roaring Twenties as well as poignant narratives of struggling through hardship. For example, “The Rich Boy” (1926) by F. Scott Fitzgerald dissects wealth and privilege in the postwar boom. Similarly, the bleak desperation of the Depression is viscerally captured in the stories of William Faulkner and John Steinbeck during the 1930s. This range demonstrates both the exuberance and grief that defined these decades of extremes. The selected writers also experimented with new modernist literary techniques like stream-of-consciousness narration and nonlinear plot structure. These stylistic innovations parallel the boundary-pushing changes in music, art, and culture during this era.
The Postmodern Upheaval: 1960s-1990s
The short fiction showcased in Best American Short Stories from the 1960s to the 1990s reveals the tidal shifts in American society through the emergence of new voices and storytelling formats. The political and social upheaval of the 1960s sparked a questioning of traditional values. Postmodernist writers like Donald Barthelme and Robert Coover used fragmented narrative and metafiction to capture this new zeitgeist. The next decades witnessed the rise of minority, ethnic, and women authors who exposed experiences of marginalized groups. Story subjects shifted focus from white, middle-class lives to explore diverse perspectives. For instance, “The Joy Luck Club” (1989) by Amy Tan delved into the intergenerational dynamics of Chinese immigrant families. Similarly, works by African-American authors like Alice Walker addressed racial inequality and oppression. These stories widened the lens of American fiction, bringing new understanding of identity, community, and social justice.
The Limitations of Representation
While the changing social and political landscape has diversified the range of authors anthologized, some argue that the short fiction in Best American Short Stories still represents a narrow slice of the American experience. The series' focus on literary fiction means that genres like science fiction, fantasy, and mystery are underrepresented. Critics also note that experimental and avant-garde works are rarely included, as the guest editor curation process favors more accessible narratives and prose styles. Additionally, the emphasis on rising literary stars means that truly obscure voices are often overlooked. However, addressing a wider range of genres, narrative structures, and author demographics remains an ongoing pursuit of the series. Despite valid criticisms, Best American Short Stories continues to meaningfully chronicle both seminal authors and culturally relevant subjects throughout evolving eras of contemporary fiction.
Conclusion
For over a century, Best American Short Stories has spotlighted pioneering voices who capture the spirit of the times in their short fiction. As a gauge of our cultural identity, the anthology maps the contours of the American experience across the decades through intimate character studies, vivid depictions of social realities, and innovations in storytelling formats. Any student seeking to understand the development of the contemporary short story and its insight into shifting cultural paradigms will find an enlightening resource in this celebrated series. By reflecting our diversity back to us, Best American Short Stories reveals who we are, and who we are in the midst of becoming.
