Well, 'The Bear' is often considered one of the best Faulkner short stories too. It's not just a story about hunting a bear but also about man's relationship with nature, the passing of an era, and the growth and education of the protagonist. It has rich descriptions of the Mississippi wilderness and Faulkner uses it to explore deeper human and cultural themes.
Many consider 'The Sound and the Fury' as the best Faulkner novel. It's a complex exploration of the decline of the Compson family. Faulkner uses multiple narrators and a stream - of - consciousness technique, which makes the story both challenging and deeply rewarding. It delves into themes like race, class, family, and the passage of time in the American South.
Many consider 'Soldiers' Pay' to be a great first Faulkner novel. It already shows his unique style of writing with complex characters and a deep exploration of the post - World War I South. It has elements of the disillusionment that was common in literature of that era, and Faulkner's ability to create a sense of place and time is evident from this early work.
Some excellent William Faulkner short stories include 'Dry September'. It deals with false accusations of rape and the mob mentality in a small Southern town. The story shows how quickly rumors can spread and destroy lives. 'Red Leaves' is also a remarkable short story. It explores the complex relationship between Native Americans and white settlers in Faulkner's fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Faulkner's writing in these stories is rich in detail and deep in its exploration of human nature.
Many people think 'Flight' is among the best. It tells the tragic story of a young man, Pepé, who makes a series of bad decisions. Steinbeck's vivid descriptions of the Mexican landscape and the complex character of Pepé make this a powerful short story.
Many consider 'Miriam' to be one of the best. It's a rather eerie tale. The character of Miriam is quite mysterious, and Capote does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of unease. The way he builds the story around this strange little girl who seems to invade the main character's life is both fascinating and a bit disturbing.
It's hard to say for sure as it depends on personal preferences. But some might consider 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson to be among the best due to its unexpected plot and social commentary.
The best Faulkner short stories are special because of his unique writing style. He often uses stream - of - consciousness, which gives the reader an in - depth look into the characters' minds. His exploration of the South, with all its traditions, prejudices, and complex social hierarchies, also makes his stories stand out.
One notable feature is his complex characters. Faulkner creates characters with deep psychological depths and often conflicting motives. For example, in many of his short stories, the characters are dealing with issues of race, class, and family in the American South. Another feature is his unique narrative style. He might use multiple narrators or a non - linear narrative, which makes the stories more engaging and thought - provoking.
One characteristic is his complex use of narrative. Faulkner often uses multiple narrators in his short stories. This gives different perspectives on the events, making the stories rich and multi - layered. For example, in some of his works, we can see how different characters' views of the same situation can be vastly different, which adds to the depth of the story.
Definitely 'A Rose for Emily'. It has a unique narrative structure. The story unfolds in a non - linear way, which keeps the reader engaged as they piece together the events in Emily's life. The use of a collective narrator gives it an almost gossipy, small - town feel that adds to the atmosphere of the story. Also, the themes of isolation, the weight of the past, and the grotesque are masterfully handled.