What are some of the most notable stories in 'the world's best short stories'?

Some might include 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a touching story about a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. Another could be 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which shows the consequences of vanity and false pride.

Well, there are many great ones. 'A Sound of Thunder' by Ray Bradbury is quite remarkable. It explores the idea of time travel and how small changes in the past can have huge impacts on the future. Also, Edgar Allan Poe's short stories like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' are often included. His stories are known for their dark and psychological themes.

In '100 world's greatest short stories', there are many gems. For example, Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. It's a psychological thriller that dives deep into the mind of a madman. His use of language and the building of suspense are masterful. Then there's Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants'. It's a short but powerful story that conveys a lot through subtext about a relationship between a man and a woman. Also, James Joyce's 'Araby' is a coming - of - age story that beautifully captures the disillusionment of youth.

Another one is 'A Rose for Emily' by William Faulkner. It's a complex story about a southern woman, Emily Grierson. The story unfolds in a non - linear way, revealing secrets about her life, including her relationship with a man named Homer Barron. It's a great study of the decay of the old South and the complex nature of its people.

Well, 'The Gift of the Magi' is likely to be one. It's a beautiful story about a young couple sacrificing their most precious possessions for each other. Another could be 'The Necklace' which shows the consequences of vanity.

One of the well - known stories in Orwell's short story collection is 'A Hanging'. It powerfully depicts the inhumane act of capital punishment. The way Orwell describes the condemned man's walk to the gallows, the details of the scene, and the reactions of those involved, makes it a very impactful story.

There are many great stories in it. For instance, 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. This story is disturbing as it shows how blindly following traditions can lead to horror. It starts off innocently enough, with a small town gathering for a lottery, but the end reveals a dark and unexpected outcome. Another excellent one is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce, which plays with the concept of time and perception in a very engaging way.

Maupassant's best short stories often have a strong sense of irony. This irony can be seen in the relationships between characters and the outcomes of the stories. For example, in some stories, characters strive for something that turns out to be completely different from what they expected. His stories also explore human nature deeply, including themes like greed, love, and envy. He doesn't shy away from showing the darker sides of human beings, which makes his stories both thought - provoking and engaging.

The most notable features include the creation of a sense of foreboding. In many of his stories, from the very beginning, you can feel that something bad is going to happen. His characters are often isolated, either physically or emotionally. This isolation heightens the sense of dread. Moreover, his stories often have a moral or philosophical undertone, making the reader think about deeper aspects of human nature.

One of the great stories could be 'Button, Button'. It's a thought - provoking tale about a couple presented with a moral dilemma. They are given a box with a button and told that if they push it, they'll receive a large sum of money, but someone they don't know will die. This story really makes you think about the value of life and the lengths people might go to for money.