What is the best Dorothy Parker short story?

Some of the well - known best Dorothy Parker short stories include 'Big Blonde'. It's a poignant exploration of a woman's life in a rather unfulfilling and complex social environment. The character in 'Big Blonde' is vividly drawn, and Parker's writing style really shines through in depicting the woman's struggles and her attempts to find meaning and connection.

The best Dorothy Parker short stories tend to have a certain brevity that doesn't sacrifice depth. Take 'A Telephone Call' again. It's so short, yet it manages to convey a whole range of emotions. Her use of dialogue is also key. In stories like 'The Standard of Living', the dialogue between the characters reveals their personalities and their values. And her descriptions are vivid but not overly elaborate, which helps move the story along quickly, as in 'Big Blonde' where we can clearly picture the main character's situation.

One characteristic is her sharp wit. In her stories, she often uses clever wordplay and sarcasm. For example, she can expose the hypocrisy of society in a very humorous way. Another is her in - depth exploration of human nature. She delves into the emotions, desires, and flaws of her characters, making them very relatable. Also, her writing style is concise yet impactful, getting straight to the point while still leaving a strong impression on the reader.

One of the best is 'Big Blonde'. It's a poignant story about a woman who uses her charm and looks to get by in life but faces many challenges. It shows Parker's sharp eye for character and society's treatment of women.

Big Blonde is one of Dorothy Parker's notable short stories. It delves into the life of a woman who seems to be constantly in search of love and validation. The main character is often misjudged and uses her appearance, being a 'big blonde', as a sort of shield or identity. The story shows the hollowness that can exist beneath a glamorous exterior and the challenges women faced in a society that placed a great deal of emphasis on appearance and social status.

You can start by looking in libraries. Most libraries have a collection of classic short stories, and Dorothy Parker's works are often included. Check the literature section, especially under anthologies of American short stories.

The themes include social satire. Dorothy Parker often mocks the pretentiousness and hypocrisy in society. For example, she might write about upper - class people with their false airs. Also, loneliness is a theme. Her characters sometimes feel isolated in a world that seems full of people but lacks true connection.

One of the most popular is 'Big Blonde'. It's popular because it portrays a complex female character in a very relatable way. The main character's struggle with her identity and her place in society strikes a chord with many readers. Another popular one could be 'A Telephone Call' which is so effective in depicting the desperation and vulnerability of a woman waiting for a call from a man. It's a simple situation but told with great emotional depth.

It's hard to pick just one. 'Cavedweller' is a top choice for many as it offers deep insights and compelling storytelling. However, the 'best' can vary from person to person depending on their interests and the themes that resonate with them.

You'll find a lot of social climbers in her stories too. People who are more concerned with appearances and status than with true values. They go to all sorts of lengths to be seen in the right circles, attend the fanciest parties, and be associated with the 'right' people.