The stories in 'Best Southern Short Stories' typically feature themes like family heritage and the passage of time. The characters are influenced by the long - standing traditions of the South. There's often a touch of nostalgia, as if the authors are looking back at a bygone era with a mix of fondness and melancholy. And the use of local folklore and superstitions makes them really interesting.
Southern short stories usually have a strong sense of place. The southern landscape, from the plantations to the small towns, becomes an important part of the story. It can set the mood and influence the characters' actions. They also tend to have richly drawn characters with their own idiosyncrasies, often influenced by the southern culture and its values like hospitality and propriety.
Flannery O'Connor has some great southern gothic short stories. For example, 'Good Country People'. It involves complex characters like a young woman with a prosthetic leg and a con man who comes into her life. The story shows the grotesque and religious elements often found in southern gothic literature.
The southern literature short stories are often marked by their rich use of dialect. It gives a sense of authenticity to the characters and the setting. Also, they tend to have a slow - paced narrative that allows for in - depth exploration of emotions and relationships. Many of these stories deal with the legacy of the Civil War, whether it's the economic aftermath or the social hierarchies that still lingered long after the war ended.
One characteristic is the strong sense of family. In southern Christmas stories, family gatherings are a big part of it. Extended families come together for a big Christmas dinner, with traditional southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and pecan pie. Another characteristic is the influence of religion. Churches are often central in these stories, with Christmas services being important events.
Southern gothic short stories typically have a sense of foreboding. The atmosphere is often gloomy. The characters can be outcasts or misfits in their communities. For example, a character might be a hermit living on the outskirts of a small southern town. There's also a lot of focus on family secrets and the past that haunts the present. These stories might deal with themes like incest or long - held grudges within families.
They often have a decaying or isolated southern setting, like an old plantation or a small, run - down town. This creates a sense of foreboding.
One characteristic is a concise plot. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the whole story revolves around the couple's simple yet profound act of self - sacrifice. Another is the ability to create a strong emotional impact in a short space. 'The Lottery' shocks readers with its unexpected and cruel ending. Also, vivid characters can be created quickly. In 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the grandmother is a complex and memorable character.
The best short stories usually have an engaging plot. Take 'Hills Like White Elephants' for instance. The simple conversation between the two characters holds a lot of mystery and tension. They also tend to have a unique narrative voice. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the first - person narration really lets the reader get into the mind of the protagonist. And most good short stories leave a lasting impression, like 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' which makes you think about human nature long after reading.
They probably have engaging plots. Since they are short stories, they need to grab the reader's attention quickly. So, there could be unexpected twists and turns, like in a mystery - themed story where the solution is not what you initially expect. In addition, the use of vivid language is common. With limited space, the authors need to create a vivid world. They might use unique descriptions of settings and characters to make them come alive in the reader's mind. This helps to make the short story memorable despite its brevity.
The short stories in 'best 2019 short stories' may also be known for their ability to evoke strong emotions in a limited number of words. They can make you feel joy, sadness, or surprise in just a few pages. Take a story about a child's first encounter with loss. It can be so poignant that it stays with you long after you've finished reading, even though it's a short piece.