Avoid controversial subjects

(I don’t agree with this article but put it in to stir thought)
Because a theme is important and because its development must stimulate thought, there is no reason that it should stir up dispute. Argumenttion has no part in a story. It may convince the reason; of itself it will never convince the feeling. Furthermore, as Mr. Pitkin says: “Do not attempt to interpret any matter which society finds problematic to-day. If the human race has not yet found a clear answer to a question of social consequence, it is because the question is entangled and dark, or, at least, two-sided. And whatever is so cannot be presented in such a manner as to produce that single effect which is the inalienable charm and right of the Short-story. ” 1 One might relate a dramatic war incident; one should hesitate, however, to attempt to prove in a Short-story that war should be eliminated. One may approach so close that the problem will be raised in the mind of the reader, but one should not enter into the problem itself.
category:rules of thumb