What makes the best O. Henry stories so special?

One reason is his plot twists. They are often so unexpected that they leave readers both amused and amazed. For instance, in some of his stories, characters' plans backfire in the most comical ways.

The unexpected endings. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', you don't expect the couple to sacrifice their most precious possessions in such a way. It catches the reader off - guard and makes the story stay in your mind.

The complex characters. Henry James was a master at creating multi - dimensional characters with deep inner lives.

O'Connor's use of the Southern setting is another factor. The rural Southern backdrop in stories like 'The Life You Save May Be Your Own' adds a sense of place and cultural context. It helps to enhance the themes she explores, such as poverty, isolation, and the search for meaning in a harsh world. Her stories are not just about the South, but they use the South as a lens to view broader human experiences.

The humor he injected. Patrice O'Neal was a master at using humor to tell a story, whether it was about a simple everyday event or a more complex social issue. He could make people laugh while also making them think. For example, in his stories about relationships, he would use his comical insights to point out the absurdities and truths of human connections.

It's hard to say which one is the absolute best as different people may have different preferences. However, 'The Gift of the Magi' is often regarded highly. Its simple yet powerful message about love and self - sacrifice makes it a classic that has touched many readers' hearts over the years.

Some of the best O. Henry short stories include 'The Gift of the Magi'. In this story, a young couple is very poor but they both sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy a gift for the other. The wife cuts her long, beautiful hair to buy a chain for her husband's watch, while the husband sells his watch to buy combs for his wife's hair. It's a heart - warming story about love and sacrifice.

His stories often focus on ordinary people in urban settings. He portrays the struggles, hopes, and dreams of the common man. These characters are very relatable, like the clerks, waitresses, and small - time crooks that populate his stories. This makes his stories accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

Well, 'The Ransom of Red Chief' and 'A Retrieved Reformation' are also among O. Henry's top short stories. They showcase his unique storytelling style and clever twists.

Perhaps the stories in 'best 2017 stories' were special due to their timeliness. In 2017, there were many events happening around the world. If these stories were related to those events in some way, whether it was a political upheaval, a technological breakthrough, or a cultural shift, they would have been relevant and thus special. They could have provided different perspectives on the events, making readers more aware of the world around them.