What are the best American short stories of the 20th century?

Well, they were highly influenced by the political and social climate of the time. With the American colonies striving for independence, stories sometimes carried messages of freedom and self - governance. The characters in these short stories were often ordinary people, like farmers or tradesmen, whose lives were a microcosm of the larger American society. This made the stories relatable and helped in the formation of a shared American cultural experience.

One of the top 20th - century American novels is 'The Sound and the Fury' by William Faulkner. It uses a complex narrative structure to tell the story of a southern family's decline. 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac is another great one. It represents the Beat Generation, with its themes of freedom, travel, and a search for meaning. And 'Ulysses' by James Joyce, while Irish, also had a significant impact on American modernist literature in the 20th century.

One of the best is 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It delves into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan society. Another great one is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a complex exploration of man's struggle against nature. Also, 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain is a classic, with its commentary on race and society in the American South.

Ernest Hemingway was another significant 20th - century American author of short stories. His works were known for their sparse style. He often wrote about themes like war, masculinity, and the struggle of the individual. His short stories, such as 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro', showed his unique perspective on life and death, and the regrets that people carry.

One of the notable aspects of 19th and 20th century American short stories is their diversity. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe in the 19th century were masters of the macabre. His stories, such as 'The Tell - Tale Heart', had a dark and psychological depth. In the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway's short stories were known for their sparse style. For example, 'Hills Like White Elephants' is a story full of subtext about relationships and difficult decisions. Another important feature was the exploration of the American identity. Many stories dealt with the immigrant experience, the changing social classes, and the impact of industrialization.

They often had moral lessons. For example, many stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne were full of moral exploration. His 'The Scarlet Letter' short story version, if any, would also likely carry themes of sin and redemption.

Many of these short stories were influenced by the historical events of the 20th century, such as the two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the civil rights movement. This led to stories that were often a reflection of the times, with characters trying to navigate through difficult and changing social landscapes.

Some common themes include the American Dream, disillusionment, and social class. For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's stories, the pursuit and often the failure of the American Dream is a central theme. Characters strive for wealth and status but find that it doesn't bring true happiness.

Some common themes include the exploration of the American Dream. For example, many stories dealt with characters striving for success and a better life in the new and expanding nation. Another theme was the relationship between man and nature, like how settlers coped with the vast and often wild American landscape.

American Gothic short stories from the 19th century are typically defined by their focus on the macabre, complex characters with hidden secrets, and a sense of foreboding. Settings are often old, decaying, and isolated.