The Man in Black Analysis

Greetings everybody! I hope that you enjoyed the third short story that I posted. This one was much shorter than the first two. The plot unfolds in a linear fashion, with the story gradually revealing its supernatural twist. I wrote this story in a broader sense without focusing on one character, like their motives, feelings, and thoughts. In my mind as the author; I tried to convey the story where the reader could see it from a third-person perspective following the band through this short journey. The polka band represents the ordinary folk who are drawn into an extraordinary situation. Their initial excitement at being hired for a high-paying gig quickly turns into confusion and discomfort as they realize the true nature of the event they are attending. Despite this, they continue to play, fulfilling their contract and honoring the wishes of the deceased, which highlights their professionalism and adaptability. The old man dressed in black becomes the central mysterious figure of the story. His appearance, demeanor, and actions are all designed to mislead both the characters in the story and the reader. Initially portrayed as a lively, vigorous man, his true nature as a deceased individual hosting his own vigil is only revealed later, adding a layer of supernatural intrigue. I was not trying to go for horror or thriller for this story but I wanted to utilize death more peacefully. There are many people who are not afraid of death, dying, or the supernatural. Some are prepared to go on to the next life and see death as a beginning. The old man's desire to celebrate even after death suggests a life lived fully and a wish to be remembered joyfully, rather than mournfully.

The story is set in Dia City, a vibrant and luxurious place within the Republic of Strölandia, known for its thriving arts and culture. The city, with its elegant architecture and bustling plazas, serves as a contrast to the darker, more mysterious events that unfold. Dia City is a city in the novel I am currently working on. The fantasy world has all kinds of monsters in it, the Republic of Stölandia is the country in which the fantasy story takes place. Certain cities such as this one have tight security. Also, there are people who handle the monsters out and about terrorizing smaller towns across the country. Of course, I do not mention any of this in this short story, that was not the point of this story. The Republic of Strölandia will be a common setting in future stories though and this is just one that happens to have a side quest without any main characters. Look for different shorts in the future that take place in this world, I will be fleshing more ideas out as time goes on.

I went for a more subtle way to weave the supernatural theme into the story. The fact that the band is hired by a dead man and later plays at his funeral without realizing his true identity until it's too late. I think adds an eerie twist that challenges the boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds. The contrast between the band’s expectations of a lively party and the reality of a vigil highlights the duality of human experiences, where joy and sorrow often coexist. The story suggests that even in death, life can be celebrated, and music has the power to bring comfort and joy even in the darkest of times.

I love music, and with "The Man in Black," I went for the combination of the mundane with the mystical, leading to an unexpected yet poignant exploration of life, death, and the power of music. It leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and reflection on how the past can intersect with the present in mysterious ways, and how art can bring solace and celebration, even in the most unexpected circumstances. I do hope you enjoyed it and look forward to next month's story. The hint for the next short story is that mental health services thrive well in a small rural town.