Can you give some examples of good symbols for a short story?

Sure. A haunted house is a great setting. It's full of mystery and fear. The creaking floors and cold drafts can add to the spooky atmosphere. Another is a war - torn city. The destruction and chaos can show the resilience or the downfall of characters. And a spaceship in outer space is also good. There's the isolation, the unknown of the universe, and the potential for alien encounters.

Another aim could be to explore human nature. Short stories often dig into the complexity of human behavior. For example, stories might show how people react under pressure or in difficult situations, such as a character's response when faced with a moral dilemma in a short, confined setting.

Sure. In 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad, Marlow's journey up the Congo River is the main story, but within his narration, he tells the story of Kurtz. Kurtz's story, which includes his descent into madness and his strange and powerful influence in the Congo, is a story within the larger story of Marlow's exploration. It helps to deepen the understanding of the themes like colonialism and the human psyche in the context of the main plot.

Sure. A war - torn city is a great setting. It has destruction, chaos, and the struggle of the people living there. It can show the best and worst of human nature. Another one is a carnival. There are bright lights, strange characters, and an air of excitement and mystery. It's a place where anything can happen. And a mountain cabin in the middle of a snowstorm can create a sense of isolation and danger, which is perfect for a short story.

A hook could also be a character's internal conflict right from the start. 'He knew he had to tell the truth, but every fiber of his being resisted.' This gives the reader an insight into the character's struggle and makes them interested in seeing how the character will resolve this conflict within the short story.

A pair of old shoes. They can tell a story about the places a character has been, the journeys they've taken. In a short story, the shoes could be passed down from a father to a son, and through the shoes, the story of their relationship, their shared dreams, and the son's struggle to fill his father's shoes (both literally and metaphorically) can be told.

Sure. A common good meaning is courage. In short stories like 'The Little Engine That Could', the engine's repeated 'I - think - I - can' shows great courage in the face of a difficult task. Another example is the meaning of family. Some short stories highlight the importance of family bonds, like how family members support and love each other unconditionally. And also, responsibility. Stories may illustrate characters taking on responsibilities, which is a good meaning as it encourages readers to do the same in their own situations.

Consider a story where a cruel dictator was oppressing his people. A group of rebels, led by a noble - minded man, fought against the dictator. They faced many hardships and battles. But in the end, through their perseverance and the support of the people, they overthrew the dictator. It's a clear example of good prevailing over evil.

She left. He never recovered.