What are some of the best open ended short short stories?
One great open - ended short story is 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' by Frank R. Stockton. In this story, a young man is forced to choose between two doors, behind one is a lady and behind the other is a tiger. But the story ends without revealing his choice, leaving it to the reader to decide. Another could be 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. The story seems to end on a note that makes you wonder about the reality of what just happened. And 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry also has an open - ended aspect in that it makes you think about the nature of selfless love and sacrifice and how the couple will continue their relationship after their sacrificial gifts.
Well, Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants' is a good example. It's about a couple having a conversation at a train station. The dialogue is so cryptic that it's left open - ended. We're not sure if the woman will go through with the 'operation' (which is hinted to be an abortion). Then there's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The end leaves the reader wondering about the protagonist's true mental state and what will become of her. Also, 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson has an open - ended feel as it makes you question the society's traditions and what might happen next in that strange village.
