Extrinsic Elements of Short Stories, from Background to Values that Shape Stories

YOGYAKARTA - The extrinsic elements of short stories are external aspects that shape short stories and also affect the storyline and message conveyed. This element is influenced by various factors of people's lives where the short story was born.

Extrinsic elements usually appear as a reflection of social, cultural, and personal experiences of the writer. Therefore, this element is very important to understand a short story. The following will discuss more about the extrinsic elements of short stories.

The extrinsic element of a short story is an element that comes from outside the text but also affects the storyline. Usually this element is related to values that live in the community and real life.

The extrinsic elements of short stories consist of several types, namely the background of the community, the background of the author, and the values of life contained in the short story. These three elements are what give color to a story. Let's discuss one by one in more detail.

The background of the community is related to the social, cultural, political, economic, and ideological situation of a place or country. This element is very important because it is able to influence the characters, themes, and story lines. The community becomes a large frame that shapes the atmosphere of the short story.

For example, a short story that takes place in the 1960s will certainly have a different feel from a story set in the present. The differences in lifestyle, thinking, and life values will be very significant.

In addition to shaping the atmosphere of the story, the background of the community also has an influence on the character of the characters. The characters can be described as someone who is bound by the rules of society or even against certain traditions. All this shows the strong influence of society in the formation of short stories.

The background of the author is related to the personal information of the author. Usually includes life experiences, education, family environment, to the values that the author adheres to. This element is important because the writing style is often influenced by the author's background.

Life values are very important extrinsic elements in short stories. These values include religious values, social values, moral values, and cultural values. These four values make short stories have messages that readers can take.

A. Religious Values

Religious values are related to the teachings and beliefs that the characters in the short story follow. Usually, these values teach kindness and patience in dealing with problems.

B. Social Value

Social values arise from the interaction of figures with the surrounding environment. For example, the figure of Sinta who is friendly and always greets residents shows a positive social value. This attitude reflects the importance of good relations in society.

C. Moral Values

Moral values are related to ethics, morals, and behaviors that apply in society. For example, a character's attitude that is always rude to those around him shows a bad moral value that must be avoided. Short stories often use examples like this to teach readers.

D. Cultural Values

Cultural values are related to traditions, customs, and habits of a region. For example, the tradition of siraman in Javanese customary business. Cultural values like this give uniqueness and richness to the story.

This is the discussion of the extrinsic elements of short stories and their influence in a story. By understanding these elements, you can understand the story more deeply and completely.