because I prefer stories rather than poetry. I still liked comparing them, though! As well as comparing different works from the authors.

i concur, reading short stories over poetry is the way to go. plus, i enjoy learning about authors rather than poets

I thought that the symbols in the short stories came more naturally, while some of the poetry seemed forced.

I agree, and I think it's easier to relate my own life to instances told in the short stories rather than the poems, at least for me.