What makes a modern short story one of the best?

A great short short story often has a strong concept. For example, it can convey a deep emotion or idea in just a few pages. If it has a unique plot twist like in 'The Gift of the Magi', it can be really engaging. Also, the use of language matters. A story that uses vivid and concise language can be very effective. For instance, Hemingway's short stories are known for their sparse yet powerful prose.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, 'The Lottery' has this very unexpected concept of a lottery that's not what you'd initially think. It also needs engaging characters, even if they're briefly described. In 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is so relatable. And a good short story usually has a well - crafted plot that can be told in a short space without feeling rushed or incomplete.

A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the idea of the couple sacrificing their most precious things in a selfless way is very touching. It also has well - developed characters, even in a short space. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the old man is a very mysterious and thought - provoking character.

A great short story often has a powerful and engaging plot. For example, it might have a big twist at the end like in 'The Lottery'. It also needs well - developed characters, even if it's just a short piece. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the characters are complex and interesting. And the theme should be thought - provoking, like the exploration of human nature in 'Young Goodman Brown'.

A great short story often has a strong and engaging plot. It grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe creates a tense and suspenseful plot with the narrator's descent into madness. Another factor is well - developed characters. Even in a short space, the characters need to be believable and interesting. In 'A Rose for Emily', Faulkner creates a complex character in Emily. Also, the use of themes that are relevant and thought - provoking, like the exploration of love and sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi', can make a short story one of the best.

A great Bengali short story often has rich characterization. For example, in Rabindranath Tagore's stories, the characters are well - rounded and relatable. The themes also play a crucial role. If a story can touch on universal themes like love, loss, or the human condition, it can be considered one of the best. Also, the writing style, like Tagore's lyrical and flowing prose, can make a story stand out.

Well, a great short story often has a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention immediately. Take 'The Gift of the Magi' for instance. Its opening sets the scene and makes you want to keep reading. The plot also needs to be engaging. In 'The Necklace', the unexpected twist at the end is what makes it so memorable. And the ability to convey a lot of emotion in a short space is crucial. 'The Lady with the Dog' does this really well, making readers feel the characters' complex feelings.

A unique perspective. Maybe it approaches a common queer theme in a new way or shows a side of queer life that is not often explored. For example, a story that focuses on the queer experience within a particular cultural or religious context can be really interesting and stand out as one of the best.

A great ghost short story often has a really spooky atmosphere. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the way Poe describes the narrator's paranoia and the old man's room at night creates a sense of dread. Also, strong characters are important. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the family's desperation and fear as they face the consequences of their wishes make the story engaging. And a good twist, like in 'The Turn of the Screw' where we're not sure if it's real ghosts or the governess's madness, can make a ghost short story one of the best.

A great satirical short story often has a sharp and unique perspective. It can expose the flaws and vices in society, like hypocrisy or greed, in a very direct way. For instance, if it's satirizing consumerism, it might show how people are obsessed with buying things they don't need just to fit in.