Often, little known great short stories have unique themes. They might explore less common aspects of human nature or society. For example, they could deal with marginalized groups or unusual emotions. Their writing styles can be very distinctive as well. Some might use experimental narrative techniques.
There are many. For example, 'The Dead' by James Joyce. It's a story that delves deep into the human psyche and the concept of death. It has beautiful prose. 'The Beast in the Jungle' by Henry James is also worth reading. It's about a man's fear of missing out on some great event in his life. And 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is a dark and suspenseful story of revenge.
In some little known short stories, the theme of isolation is common. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character is isolated in a room, which drives her to madness. Another theme can be the dark side of human nature, like in 'The Lottery' where the villagers' cruel behavior is revealed.
O. Henry is also a great author of short stories. His stories often have surprise endings. He can take a simple situation and turn it into a complex and interesting tale in just a few pages. His use of irony and humor also makes his short stories very engaging.
Edgar Allan Poe is also among them. His short stories are famous for their dark and mysterious themes. Poe was a master at creating an atmosphere of suspense and horror in a short amount of space.
There might also be Timothy Findley. His stories may offer a different perspective, perhaps delving into historical events and how they shape the present. His writing style might be more experimental in some ways, and his works in the collection could contribute to the overall richness and diversity of Canadian short - story writing.
One little known short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a story about a woman's descent into madness while confined to a room with yellow wallpaper. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which has a shocking ending. It's set in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark purpose.
Nathaniel Hawthorne. His short stories in American literature are remarkable. He delved into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption. His use of symbolism, like the scarlet letter in the story of the same name, is very effective in conveying deeper meanings.
Ernest Hemingway is one. His short stories are famous for their sparse yet powerful prose. For instance, 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro' shows his skill in exploring themes like regret and the human condition.
Edgar Allan Poe is another important figure. His dark and macabre style is distinct. His stories are filled with elements of mystery, horror, and psychological depth, like in 'The Fall of the House of Usher' where the decaying mansion is almost a character itself, reflecting the mental state of the inhabitants.