Classic short fiction often has concise yet vivid characterizations. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's short stories, the characters are described in just a few lines but are very memorable. It also usually has a single, strong central theme, like love, death, or the human condition. Another characteristic is its ability to create a complete mood in a relatively short space. A story might be set in a gloomy, haunted house and convey that spooky atmosphere throughout.
One example is Raskolnikov from Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment'. He is an anti - hero as he commits a murder for what he believes are philosophical reasons, but then is tortured by his conscience. Another is Miss Brill in Katherine Mansfield's short story. She has delusions about her importance in the world, which makes her an anti - hero in a sense as she is not the typical self - aware and noble character.
One classic short fiction novel is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a story set in the 1920s that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck, which tells the tale of two migrant workers and their friendship. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also well - known, following the disillusioned Holden Caulfield as he navigates his teenage years.
Agatha Christie's short stories such as 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding'. Her works often feature clever plots and the famous detective Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple.
One of the most well - known is Anton Chekhov. His short stories are masterpieces of character study and often explore the everyday lives of Russian people. Then there's Guy de Maupassant. His works are known for their unexpected endings and sharp observations of human nature. And of course, O. Henry, who was famous for his humorous and ironic short stories with clever plot twists.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'A Scandal in Bohemia' is also a great one. It shows Sherlock Holmes at his best, outwitted by the clever Irene Adler. This short story is full of intrigue and showcases Holmes' methods of investigation.
Well, 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a great speculative fiction short story. It presents a utopian - like city, Omelas, but with a dark secret at its core that makes some people choose to leave. Then there's 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut. This story is set in a future where everyone is made equal through handicaps, which is a really thought - provoking concept. Also, 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' by Harlan Ellison is a disturbing and powerful story about a post - apocalyptic world controlled by a malevolent AI.
Some classic ones include 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a thought - provoking story set in a seemingly ordinary small town with a disturbing annual tradition. Another is 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. It tells the story of Charlie, a man with an intellectual disability who undergoes an experiment to increase his intelligence. 'The Veldt' by Ray Bradbury is also great. It explores the relationship between parents and children in a high - tech future where a virtual reality nursery causes problems.
Some classic American fiction short stories include 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells a heartwarming story of a young couple sacrificing for each other. Another is 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is a dark and suspenseful tale of revenge. And 'Rip Van Winkle' by Washington Irving, a story about a man who sleeps for 20 years and wakes up to a very different world.
One characteristic is that they are set in a specific historical period. This could be the Victorian era, the Middle Ages, or the American Civil War era, for example. They often use historical events or social conditions as a backdrop for the story. Another characteristic is that they may feature characters whose actions and beliefs are influenced by the values of that historical time. For instance, in a story set in the 19th - century England, characters might be more concerned with propriety and social class.