What are some of John Updike's best short stories?

One of his well - known short stories is 'A & P'. It's a simple yet profound story set in a grocery store. The main character's observations and his decision to rebel in a small way against the norms of the store and society make it interesting. Another great one is 'Pigeon Feathers'. It delves into themes of youth, faith, and the search for meaning.

Another well - known short story is 'Pigeon Feathers'. It delves into the mind of a young boy dealing with religious doubts and the significance of the physical world around him. The description of the pigeon feathers is both vivid and symbolic.

Well, his best stories typically have complex themes. For example, the exploration of the American middle - class life and its values. The stories usually unfold in a way that keeps the reader engaged, with unexpected twists and turns. And his writing style is quite unique, with a smooth flow that makes it easy to get lost in his narratives.

Some of his best novels include 'Rabbit, Run'. It follows the character Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom as he tries to escape his ordinary life, which is filled with complex relationships and self - discovery.

One of the notable works might be those that showcase Updike's unique writing style, with detailed descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. His stories often explore the human condition in a very in - depth way.

You can start by checking your local library. Libraries usually have collections of his works, and the librarians can help you find the short story anthologies that contain his best ones.

One of his well - known short stories in The New Yorker is 'A&P'. It's a story that shows a moment of rebellion and self - discovery through the eyes of a young grocery store clerk. He observes the customers, especially a group of girls in bathing suits, and his decision to take a stand against the store's rules reveals his growing awareness of society's norms and his own place in it.

One of the notable aspects of Updike's short stories is his focus on the mundane yet significant moments in people's lives. He pays attention to the subtleties of human emotions and the impact of the environment on characters. Also, his writing style is highly descriptive and evocative.

One way is to look for anthologies that feature well - known American short stories. Since John Updike is a prominent American writer, such anthologies are likely to include some of his best work. You could also search for literary reviews of his short stories. Many literary magazines and websites review and recommend his stories based on their literary merit.

One characteristic is his vivid character descriptions. In his stories, characters are complex and multi - faceted, like real people. Another is his detailed settings which often mirror the social and cultural context of the time. Also, his use of language is precise and engaging, drawing readers into the stories easily.