Well, the short stories in this list usually have a well - crafted plot. Take 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' for example. It has a plot that builds suspense and then surprises the reader at the end. They also tend to have a deep exploration of human nature. In 'Young Goodman Brown', we see the protagonist's struggle with his faith and the darker side of human nature. And often, these short stories use symbolism effectively. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the wallpaper itself is a powerful symbol of the woman's confinement and her deteriorating mental state.
Many of the short stories in the list often have strong themes. For instance, they might deal with love, like in 'The Gift of the Magi'. They also can be quite thought - provoking, such as 'The Lottery' which makes you question society. Another characteristic is concise yet vivid character descriptions. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', the two characters are described subtly through their dialogue.
The short stories in the 'list of great short stories' are known for their ability to convey complex emotions in a short space. For example, in 'The Necklace', we feel the protagonist's desperation and regret. Their settings are also carefully chosen to enhance the story. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the southern setting adds to the sense of unease and the exploration of morality. Moreover, the language used is often precise and impactful. In 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', Herman Melville's use of language helps to create the character of Bartleby who is both mysterious and a commentary on the work environment and human behavior.
Many of them have strong themes. For example, they often explore human nature, like greed, love, and pride.
Well - developed characters are also common. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character's descent into madness is vividly portrayed. You can really feel her frustration and the slow erosion of her sanity as she is confined by her situation.
One characteristic is the blurring of boundaries. For example, in many postmodern short stories, the line between reality and fiction is often not clearly defined. The stories might mix real - world events with completely made - up scenarios.
One characteristic is their realism. Chekhov's short stories often depict real - life situations and people in a very accurate way. For example, in 'The Lady with the Dog', the characters' emotions and actions are so true to life that readers can easily relate to them.
Her short stories often have a strong sense of place. For example, she vividly describes the Southern settings where her stories take place.
One characteristic is their clever use of irony. Saki often sets up situations where the outcome is the opposite of what one would expect. For example, in 'The Open Window', the girl's made - up story seems so real at first.
Many of his short stories in the list are characterized by their exploration of human nature. In stories like 'The Illustrated Man', he delves into the hopes, fears, and dreams of people. Also, his use of language is very poetic, making the stories not only engaging but also aesthetically pleasing.
Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.
A common characteristic is the unexpected twists. In 'The Man Who Loved Flowers', you think it's a simple love story at first, but then it takes a very dark turn. His stories also play with psychological fears. He can make you fear things like the dark, isolation, or the loss of sanity, as seen in various stories in the 'list of Stephen King short stories'.
His stories often have a touch of humor. In 'The Ransom of Red Chief', the whole situation of the kidnappers being tormented by the kidnapped boy is very comical. He uses this humor to show the irony of certain situations in life.