Drabble: A Literary Genre

Drabble: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology

The term “drabble” is believed to have originated from a challenge in the British science fiction fandom during the 1980s. It was coined by Monty Python member Terry Gilliam and may be traced back to the word “dribble.” The concept was to write a short, complete story of exactly 100 words, providing a concise yet impactful narrative within a strict limit.

Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Literal Meaning	Conceptual Meaning
A drabble is a short piece of fiction consisting of precisely 100 words.	Represents a creative challenge, encouraging brevity and precision in storytelling.
Originating from the word “dribble,” it denotes the constrained length of the narrative.	Signifies an exercise in concise writing, often requiring authors to distill a complete story into a minimal word count.
Typically, the focus is on economy of language and impactful storytelling.	Emphasizes the art of conveying a complete narrative or emotion within a limited space, fostering creativity and skill in word selection.

Drabble: Definition as a Literary Device

A drabble, as a literary device, is a form of microfiction characterized by its strict adherence to a precisely prescribed word count, usually consisting of exactly 100 words. This constrained format challenges writers to convey a complete narrative or evoke emotions within a remarkably limited space, fostering succinct and impactful storytelling. The essence of the drabble lies in its brevity, encouraging authors to distill their narratives to the most essential elements while maintaining thematic and narrative coherence.

Drabble: Types

1. Traditional Drabble:
   • A standard drabble with a precisely fixed word count of 100 words, emphasizing brevity and conciseness.
2. Double Drabble:
   • Consists of exactly 200 words, providing a slightly larger canvas for storytelling while maintaining the challenge of constrained length.
3. Drabble Series:
   • Comprises multiple drabbles, often interconnected, to create a broader narrative or explore a theme in more depth.
4. Inverse Drabble:
   • Challenges writers to create a compelling story or scene within a minimal word count, such as 50 or 75 words, intensifying the demand for brevity.
5. Numeric Drabble:
   • Requires incorporating a specific number into the narrative, adding an additional thematic constraint to the 100-word format.
6. Prompt-Based Drabble:
   • Writers use a given prompt or theme to craft a drabble, promoting creativity within a predetermined framework.
7. Dialogue-Driven Drabble:
   • Focuses on character interaction and conversation within the 100-word limit, showcasing the power of concise dialogue.

These variations within the drabble form demonstrate its adaptability and versatility, allowing writers to explore different aspects of storytelling while adhering to the fundamental constraint of limited word count.

Drabble: Examples in Literature

Drabble Title	Summary	Remarks
Justice, by Kally Jo Surbeck	– Fate seeks retribution for thirteen stolen souls. – Death confronts a soul thief in a dark alley, delivering poetic justice with cutting shears.	The narrative skillfully unfolds within the 100-word constraint, emphasizing brevity and impactful storytelling.
What Dolls Eat, by Karen Bovenmyer	– Puddles, a mischievous cat, disrupts the daily routine, introducing an element of unpredictability. – The disappearance of dolls leads to an unexpected discovery in a 1/12-scale gazebo.	The drabble cleverly combines mystery, playfulness, and a touch of the supernatural within its concise structure.
The Cheat, by Helen Howell	– Mirg Repaer challenges traditional reaper stereotypes in a futuristic setting. – The drabble explores a modern, space-themed twist on conventional perceptions of reapers.	The narrative efficiently captures a unique concept with a contemporary edge in a brief yet engaging manner.
Gramm’s Old Ouija Board, by Donna Marie West	– A Halloween attempt to connect with a grandmother through an Ouija board. – The drabble skillfully combines elements of supernatural communication, nostalgia, and a chilling twist.	The concise storytelling effectively creates a mood and atmosphere within the limited word count.
Ground Control, by Gwendolyn Kiste	– The anticipation of a space mission’s return takes a horrific turn, subverting expectations. – The drabble masterfully combines science fiction, horror, and a shocking revelation.	Gwendolyn Kiste skillfully utilizes the 100-word limit to create a memorable and unexpected narrative.
Hybrid, by Tim Tobin	– Betsy’s contemplation of life as an alien experiment is portrayed with poignant brevity. – The drabble effectively explores themes of choice, identity, and existential contemplation.	Tim Tobin skillfully captures the emotional depth of the protagonist within the constrained word count.
Sidewalk Games, by Gwendolyn Kiste	– Astrid’s defiance of gravity showcases a mysterious and empowering ability. – The drabble explores societal judgment and resilience within the context of a supernatural talent.	Gwendolyn Kiste adeptly utilizes brevity to convey a powerful and evocative narrative.
Symbiosis, by Roy C. Booth and Chad Fleagle	– The spread of a metallic alloy triggers a military response in a tightly woven narrative. – The drabble effectively combines elements of science fiction, intrigue, and a surprising revelation.	The authors skillfully create tension and anticipation within the constraints of the 100-word format.

Drabble in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Drabbles
Formalism	– Focus on Structure: Drabbles exemplify formalism with a fixed structure.
	– Craftsmanship: Precision in word choice is essential for drabble writing.
Reader-Response Theory	– Interactive Engagement: Readers actively engage with the concise text.
	– Subjective Interpretation: Drabbles allow for subjective reader inference.
Postmodernism	– Fragmentation: Drabbles reflect postmodern fragmentation in narrative.
	– Intertextuality: The brief form allows for intertextual connections.
Feminist Literary Theory	– Empowerment through Brevity: Drabbles empower women writers.
	– Breaking Conventions: The format challenges traditional narrative norms.
Marxist Literary Criticism	– Accessibility: Drabbles can reach a broader audience.
	– Narrative Equality: The format minimizes narrative hierarchies.
Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism	– Subconscious Exploration: Drabbles delve into the subconscious.
	– Symbolic Significance: Limited word count encourages symbolism.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	– Diverse Perspectives: Drabbles amplify diverse voices.
	– Concise Decolonization: The brevity challenges and reshapes narratives.
Structuralism	– Focus on Constraints: Drabbles fit within a defined structural constraint.
	– Universal Elements: The brevity allows exploration of universal themes.
Queer Theory	– Multiplicity of Narratives: Drabbles explore diverse queer narratives.
	– Challenging Norms: The brevity allows for subversion of traditional norms.

Drabble in Literature: Relevant Terms

1. Microfiction:
   • Definition: Extremely brief fiction, often with strict word limits.
2. Flash Fiction:
   • Definition: Very short stories, typically under 1,000 words.
3. Conciseness:
   • Definition: Expressing much in few words.
4. Symbolism:
   • Definition: Use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
5. Brevity:
   • Definition: Shortness of expression; concise writing.
6. Allusion:
   • Definition: Indirect reference to a cultural or literary idea.
7. Atmosphere:
   • Definition: Emotional tone or mood of a narrative.
8. Narrative Constraint:
   • Definition: Limitation imposed on narrative structure.
9. Imagery:
   • Definition: Visually descriptive or figurative language.
10. Epiphany:
    • Definition: Moment of sudden revelation or insight.

Drabble in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. ABELLA, Rubén. “Iridescent Insects: Flash Fiction in the United States Insectos Iridiscentes: El microrrelato en Estados Unidos.” (2017).
2. Faulkner, Grant. The Art of Brevity: Crafting the Very Short Story. University of New Mexico Press, 2023.
3. Writer’s Digest. “What is a Drabble in Writing?” Writer’s Digest, F+W Media, n.d., https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-a-drabble-in-writing.
4. Chourasia, Kajol. The Drabble World: Stories to Live By. Notion Press, 2022. Ebook, SBN: 9798885214711.