THE ROLE OF FOLKLORE AND ORAL TRADITION IN SHAPING MODERN SHORT STORIES

This article explores the lasting influence of folklore and oral storytelling traditions on the modern short story. While we often think of contemporary literature as a product of individual genius, the roots of how we tell stories are much older and more communal. This study shows how ancient tales have provided a treasure chest of classic plots, memorable characters, and moral lessons that writers still use today. By looking at examples from both Western and Eastern short story traditions, particularly American and Uzbek, we can see how these universal narrative tools are adapted to create stories that feel both fresh and timeless.