Final answer:
A vignette in literature is a short descriptive sketch or scene that vividly captures a moment, providing a snapshot in prose that contributes to the larger theme of a work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term vignette can be defined as a brief and often descriptive literary sketch or a short scene that captures a single moment or a defining detail about a character, idea, or setting. In essence, a vignette is like a snapshot in prose, offering a vivid picture in a compact form.
One notable example of a story told through a series of vignettes is "Bajadas" by Francisco Cantu, which relates the author's experiences on the border through distinct, carefully articulated moments.
In literature, vignettes are not restricted to a linear narrative structure; instead, they provide glimpses into the tone, feeling, or atmosphere of a story. Unlike a collection of short stories, poems, or photographs, a vignette is typically a component of a larger narrative, sometimes serving as a standalone piece that contributes to the overall theme or emotional impact of the work.