Some excellent world literature short stories include 'The Lady with the Dog' by Anton Chekhov. It beautifully depicts an affair and the complex emotions involved. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is also a classic. It delves into the mental state of a woman in a patriarchal society. Then there's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is a thrilling exploration of guilt and madness.
These short stories also influence our understanding of the world. By reading stories from different cultures, we learn about different ways of life, beliefs, and values. They can break down cultural barriers. For instance, a well - written short story from the Middle East can show Western readers the rich heritage and the daily life there that they might not be familiar with. Moreover, they contribute to the development of literary criticism. Different short stories with their unique features can prompt scholars to develop new theories and methods of analysis.
World literature short stories are a great way to get a quick yet profound understanding of different cultures. Many of these stories are like snapshots of a particular society at a certain time. For instance, some African short stories may depict the struggle against colonialism or the importance of tribal traditions. They also offer a wide range of writing techniques. Some use a lot of symbolism, like the green light in Fitzgerald's short stories which can symbolize hope or the unattainable American Dream.
You can start by looking at anthologies. For example, 'The Norton Anthology of World Literature' has a great selection. Just pick one story at random and start reading. Another way is to ask for recommendations from friends or librarians. They might suggest some well - known and easy - to - start - with stories like 'The Little Prince' which is a very accessible and beloved short story.
This question is difficult to answer because the best books vary from person to person. Different people have different tastes and preferences, and their evaluation of literary works will also vary due to personal experience and cultural background.
However, if one had to give an answer, then some famous world literature masterpieces might be considered one of the best books in the world, such as Dream of the Red Chamber, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, Water Margins, Scholars, etc. These works are widely read and praised because they not only have profound ideology and rich cultural content, but also have extremely high literary and artistic value.
One characteristic is their diversity. They cover a wide range of themes from love and loss to moral dilemmas. Another is the high - quality writing. The authors use vivid language to bring the characters and settings to life. For example, they might use detailed descriptions of a landscape to set the mood.
One famous short story is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells the story of a young couple who are very poor but sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other. Another is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. It's about a woman who borrows a diamond necklace for a party, loses it, and spends years in poverty trying to replace it. And 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel García Márquez is also well - known. It has a unique blend of magical realism, with the strange figure of the old man with wings in a normal village setting.
One characteristic is the exploration of cultural identity. African short stories often depict the unique traditions, beliefs, and values of different African cultures. For example, in stories like 'The Old Chief Mshlanga', we see how the African way of life is presented. Another characteristic is the portrayal of social and political issues. Many stories deal with topics such as colonialism, post - colonial struggles, and the fight for equality, like in 'The Voter'. Also, the use of vivid imagery based on the African landscape and daily life is common, making the stories come alive.
One of the best is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a masterful short story that delves into the mind of a deranged narrator. Another great one is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry which has a beautiful and ironic plot about selfless love. And 'The Monkey's Paw' is also a classic British short story filled with suspense and a touch of the macabre.