nouvelle

Nouvelle is a term in French literature that designates a short narrative prose work. It sits between a brief anecdote and a full-length novel, typically focusing on a single incident, character, or mood. In French usage, la nouvelle emphasizes economy of language, precise plotting, and a compact structure. In English-language discussions, nouvelle is often described using the terms short story or, when the work is somewhat longer, novella or novelette, though these labels are not exact equivalents.

Origin and development: The French nouvelle draws on earlier medieval and Renaissance narrative traditions but became a recognized literary form in its own right in the 17th and 18th centuries. The genre flourished through the 19th century with short-story writers such as Guy de Maupassant, who is widely regarded for mastering the form’s concision and subtle irony. The term continues to be used for francophone short fiction in France, Belgium, Canada, and North Africa, as well as in global Francophone literary communities.

Form and themes: Nouvelles often center on a fleeting moment or social situation and aim for a precise, economical style. They frequently employ a twist, irony, or an open-ended conclusion that invites interpretation. Many collections publish several standalone pieces or a sequence built around a unifying theme or motif.

Related context: The expression la nouvelle is distinct from La Nouvelle Vague, the postwar French film movement focused on innovative cinema; the two share the French word for “new” but refer to different artistic domains. The term also intersects with broader discussions of short fiction across Francophone and global literatures.