Short narrative prose in Slovenia developed in the first half of 19th century and increased until the second half of 20th century because many magazines enabled the publications, especially the two central magazines in the last third of 19th century - Ljubljanski zvon and Dom in svet. This type of prose is defined by many common features, like linear or fragmented narration, with a closed or open ending, and following the unities of time and place. Its length varies from 1.000 to 8.000 words, however, the length is influenced by the style that developed in a particular historic time, namely realistic, symbolic-expressionist and social realistic style. (Kocijan 2012: 13) One of the characteristics of short narrative prose is also the use of genre labels, which was also sometimes used by France Bevk, who wanted to cover up his society criticism. Bevk is one of the recognisable authors of short prose in 20th century, who also published his works in the magazine Dom in svet between the years 1914 and 1938. At first his style was initially considered expressionist (Kocijan 1996: 196) through which he tried to depict war by using animal and grotesque images and focusing on man's inwardness. The war theme is mostly connected to existentialism and individualism. Bevk's transition towards social realistic style (Koblar 1951: 57), through which he investigates the (post-war) poverty can be seen after the year 1924. Transition is evident from the theme of narration and the text structure because the length of the texts has risen from the lower limit to the upper limit, and has even crossed it after the year 1927. The stories have become less concise and are changing into long narrative prose. Regardless of the style of narration, Bevk managed to stay critically oriented towards society and show sympathy for the so-called men in the street.
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