LEXICAL AND STYLISTIC FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH SHORT STORIES

This article examines the lexical and stylistic features of contemporary English short stories, focusing on the ways writers use vocabulary, figurative language, and stylistic devices to create meaning and artistic expression. Short stories represent an important literary genre characterized by brevity, concentrated plots, limited numbers of characters, and carefully selected linguistic elements. The article analyzes the use of colloquial expressions, neologisms, emotionally charged vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, metaphors, similes, symbolism, irony, and repetition in contemporary short fiction. Particular attention is given to the relationship between lexical choices, narrative voice, characterization, and the representation of social and cultural realities. The study demonstrates that lexical and stylistic features contribute significantly to the development of themes, the creation of atmosphere, and the expression of characters’ emotions. Understanding these features provides valuable insights into contemporary English literature and supports the development of linguistic and literary competence among English language learners.