The Aesthetic Elements of the Very Short Story: 'Tragedy of Adam' by Mohammed El Hedeiny as an Exemplar

Abstract

The very short story has firmly established itself as an independent entity in our time. Despite facing criticism, it has successfully carved a place for itself in the contemporary literary scene. It is a product of new circumstances created by the modern era and public taste.

     The Egyptian writer « Mohammed El-Hedeiny » is one of the most prominent authors who have written and excelled in this literary genre. His collection of short stories, (Tragedy of Adam) – the subject of this study – is an exploration of the depths of the human psyche, an expression of its internal conflicts, and its relationship with the external world. The collection possesses qualities that have granted it a high level of aesthetic and literary value, such as its narrative structure, language, and irony. Despite its concise stories, it is characterized by depth and symbolism, enabling it to plumb the depths of the human psyche and express the state of contemporary societies.