Social Criticism in Short Stories Although most short stories at first glance may seem to be simply fictional tales about people and situations that don’t exist, this is not always the case. Some short stories are actually the author’s criticisms of specific cultural values and social conventions veiled by an interesting plot and engaging characters. This is certainly true of three stories specifically: “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia …showed first 75 words of 1336 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1336 total…life. Making a statement about society, religion, the government or any other facet of life does not always have to include a soapbox and a microphone. Writers everyday are making social criticisms and commentary on life through their stories, and the characters within them. Although at first glance these stories may not seem to necessarily have a deeper social meaning; the authors of each are making powerful statements and rejecting social conventions with every word.