Themes also play a huge role. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London has themes of man's struggle against nature and the consequences of overconfidence. A short story that can explore complex themes in a concise way and make the reader think about life, human nature, or society can be considered one of the most beautiful. It's like a small but powerful package that contains a great deal of meaning.
A beautiful short story often has a deep emotional core. For example, in 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen, the girl's loneliness and despair tug at the heartstrings of readers. The ability to evoke strong emotions like pity, love, or hope is a key factor.
The use of language is also important. Vivid descriptions, unique writing styles, and the right choice of words can create a beautiful short story. A story that can paint a picture in the reader's mind, whether it's a description of a landscape or a person's feelings, is much more likely to be considered beautiful. Take 'The Dead' by James Joyce, his detailed descriptions of the Dublin society and the characters' inner thoughts make the story a masterpiece.
Often, it's the themes that make a short story disturbing. For example, themes of madness, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper'. The main character's mental breakdown is unnerving. Also, violence and cruelty as in 'The Lottery'. The senseless killing in the name of tradition is quite disturbing. Another factor can be the psychological state of the characters. If the narrator is unreliable and has a warped view of the world, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', it can be very disturbing.
True love and sacrifice often make a short story romantic. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', both characters sacrifice something precious to them for the sake of their beloved. This selfless act is a big part of what makes it so romantic.
A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, 'The Lottery' has this very unexpected concept of a lottery that's not what you'd initially think. It also needs engaging characters, even if they're briefly described. In 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is so relatable. And a good short story usually has a well - crafted plot that can be told in a short space without feeling rushed or incomplete.
A great short story often has a strong and unique concept. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the idea of the couple sacrificing their most precious things in a selfless way is very touching. It also has well - developed characters, even in a short space. In 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', the old man is a very mysterious and thought - provoking character.
A great short story often has a powerful and engaging plot. For example, it might have a big twist at the end like in 'The Lottery'. It also needs well - developed characters, even if it's just a short piece. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the characters are complex and interesting. And the theme should be thought - provoking, like the exploration of human nature in 'Young Goodman Brown'.
A great short story often has a strong and engaging plot. It grabs the reader's attention from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe creates a tense and suspenseful plot with the narrator's descent into madness. Another factor is well - developed characters. Even in a short space, the characters need to be believable and interesting. In 'A Rose for Emily', Faulkner creates a complex character in Emily. Also, the use of themes that are relevant and thought - provoking, like the exploration of love and sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi', can make a short story one of the best.
The plot can make a short story beautiful. A well - crafted plot that has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with some sort of twist or revelation, can be very engaging. Also, the characters. If the characters are relatable and well - developed, even in a short space, it adds to the beauty.
A beautiful short story usually has a compelling plot, vivid characters, and evocative language.
The theme also matters a great deal. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London has a powerful theme of man's struggle against nature. The man in the story underestimates the power of the cold in the Yukon and his ultimate fate serves as a warning about the indifference of nature towards human beings.