Well, a good sign of a best quest story is a clear goal for the protagonist. For example, in 'The Hobbit', Bilbo's goal is to help the dwarves reclaim their homeland. If there's a strong and defined objective like that, it often makes for a great quest story.
The presence of challenges and obstacles is crucial. In a great quest story like 'Moby - Dick', Captain Ahab faces the huge challenge of hunting the white whale. The higher the stakes and the more difficult the challenges, the more engaging the quest story becomes. And often, there's a deeper meaning or theme underlying the quest, like in 'The Giver' where Jonas' quest is also about uncovering the truth about his society.
To identify the elements, first look for a central character on a journey. If there's a character like a young wizard traveling to a far - off place for a specific reason, that's a start. Also, check for the presence of a goal. If the story is about finding a hidden treasure or solving a mystery, it's likely a quest. And magic or supernatural elements are often a giveaway. If there are dragons or magic spells, it's probably a quest fantasy story.
One way is to look at the language use. If the words flow smoothly and the descriptions are vivid, it's likely a well - written story. For example, in 'The Hobbit', Tolkien's descriptions of the landscapes and characters are very engaging. Another factor is the plot. A good story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with some sort of conflict and resolution. Also, character development is key. In 'Anne of Green Gables', we see Anne grow from a talkative, imaginative girl into a more mature young woman.
Look for a novel that has received critical acclaim. Awards and positive reviews from respected critics are good indicators.
Engaging characters are a sign of best fiction. If you find yourself really caring about what happens to the characters, it's likely a good piece of fiction. Also, a strong and unique plot. A story that stands out from the usual and keeps you guessing or interested is often great fiction. For instance, in '1984' by George Orwell, the dystopian plot is both unique and thought - provoking.
Stories with unique and disturbing settings are often the best. Take 'The Colour Out of Space'. The desolate rural setting combined with the strange, otherworldly color makes it stand out. Also, pay attention to the psychological aspect. If the story gets into the minds of the characters and shows how they are driven to madness by the Lovecraftian elements, it's probably a good one.
One should also think about the emotional resonance. The best Lydia Davis stories have the power to make you feel something, whether it's a sense of recognition, amusement, or a deeper, more complex emotion. For instance, a story that makes you laugh at the absurdity of human behavior or makes you reflect on your own relationships is likely to be a strong contender for being one of her best works.
One way to identify the best Raymond Carver stories is by looking at the themes they explore. If you're interested in stories about ordinary people struggling with relationships, then his works are a great choice. For example, 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' really digs into the different aspects of love that normal people experience.
Another way is to consider the reviews and awards their life - story - based films have received. If a director's movies about real - life stories are constantly praised by critics and win awards, it's a sign of their talent in this area. For instance, some directors win Oscars for their biographical films.
Look for elements like a southern setting, which often includes decaying mansions or small, isolated towns. The presence of complex and often morally ambiguous characters is also a sign. For example, in 'A Rose for Emily', Emily herself is a character full of contradictions.
The themes can be a giveaway. Stories that explore deep psychological states, like madness and guilt, are typical of Poe's best work. For example, 'The Pit and the Pendulum' which puts the protagonist through a series of terrifying mental and physical ordeals. Also, the atmosphere he creates. If a story has a really dark, foreboding atmosphere that makes you feel on edge, like 'The Premature Burial', it's probably one of his best.