What makes Mavis Gallant's best short stories stand out?

One characteristic is her precise and vivid descriptions. Gallant can paint a picture of a place or a moment so clearly that it feels like you are there. Her stories might be set in different locations, and through her descriptions, the settings become almost like another character in the story.

Another theme is the passage of time. You can see how time affects people's lives, relationships, and their view of the world. For example, in many stories, characters look back on their past with a mix of regret and nostalgia.

One of her well - known short stories is 'The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street'. It's a great example of her ability to capture complex human relationships within a short narrative.

One of her well - known stories is 'The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street'. It's a great example of her ability to capture the essence of a time and place, as well as the inner lives of her characters.

The best LGBT short stories often stand out because they break down barriers. They give voice to experiences that were previously silenced. For example, they can show the unique challenges faced by LGBT individuals in a society that may not be fully accepting.

The best DFW short stories stand out because of his complex characters. They are often deeply flawed, multi - dimensional, and very relatable in their insecurities and struggles.

Emotional depth. The best student short stories often touch on deep emotions. Whether it's about friendship, family, or personal growth, if the story can make the reader feel something strongly, it has a better chance of being recognized as a great short story. It could be a story that makes you laugh, cry, or think deeply about a certain topic.

The ability to convey a complete and impactful story in a short span. They don't waste words but still manage to tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Some of the best CXC short stories start with a hook that grabs the reader's attention immediately, then they build up the plot and end with a satisfying or thought - provoking conclusion. This efficient use of narrative structure is what makes them shine.

For the first stage of Mavis Gallant's short fiction, the feature might be exploration. She was exploring different literary devices. In the middle stage, it could be development, as her characters and plots got more developed. In the last stage, it's likely about perfection, where her writing reached a high level of sophistication.

Her use of the fantastic. In her best stories, she blends the real world with elements of magic and the supernatural so seamlessly. For example, in 'The Faery Handbag', the idea of a handbag being a portal to another world is both strange and believable within the context of the story.