What are the must - read short stories on the freshman reading list?

Another excellent short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a powerful story about a woman's descent into madness due to her confinement and the lack of agency she has. It can start important discussions about gender roles and mental health, which are relevant topics for freshmen to consider.

Some well - known must - read short stories include 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a beautiful story about a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions for each other.

I can't give you a list of 100 must-read foreign short stories because it's a fictional concept and there are no fixed standards and regulations. Foreign short stories are a very broad field, covering a variety of styles, topics, and authors. If you can provide me with more information about the 100 must-read foreign short stories, I would be more than happy to help you.

They are usually not too long, which is suitable for freshman's reading level. The vocabulary is not overly complex. For example, they often use common words that students are likely to have learned in high school.

I'd say 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. While it's a story about a whaling voyage, it also represents the American spirit of adventure and exploration in the 19th century. And it has a lot of deep philosophical themes.

I would say 'MaddAddam' trilogy by Margaret Atwood is a must - read from the climate fiction reading list. It explores genetic engineering and environmental degradation in a post - apocalyptic world. It's complex, engaging, and makes you think about the consequences of our actions on the planet.

First, find a good collection. You can look for anthologies like 'The Best American Short Stories' series. Just pick one up and start reading the stories one by one. Another way is to follow recommendations from reliable sources such as literary magazines or well - known authors. For example, if a famous author mentions a particular contemporary short story as great, it's likely worth checking out.

One must - read short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a chilling tale that starts off seemingly normal in a small town but takes a dark turn during an annual lottery. Another is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, which explores themes of morality and redemption through a family's road trip. And 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway is also great, with its subtle yet powerful exploration of a relationship through a simple conversation at a train station.

One characteristic of must - read short stories is their ability to create a vivid atmosphere with just a few words. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the description of the wallpaper and the room builds a sense of claustrophobia and madness. Also, they often have unexpected twists. 'Hills Like White Elephants' surprises the reader with the subtext and the unresolved tension between the characters. Moreover, must - read short stories can convey deep emotions. 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' makes the reader feel the hope, fear, and confusion of the protagonist all within a short span. They are also good at using symbols, like in 'The Cask of Amontillado' where the catacombs symbolize the dark and vengeful nature of the narrator.

You can start by visiting your local library. Librarians are very helpful and can guide you to collections of short stories that are considered must - reads.