The themes they explore. For example, many of them touch on universal human experiences such as love, loss, and the search for meaning. This makes them relatable to a wide range of readers.
The 'greatest best british short stories' are great due to several factors. Firstly, the way they build tension. In 'To Build a Fire', the increasing danger as the man tries to survive in the cold creates a gripping read. Secondly, the exploration of emotions. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' does an excellent job of portraying the main character's descent into madness and her various emotions. And finally, their ability to create a world within a short space. 'Araby' manages to create a vivid picture of a young boy's life and his first love in just a few pages.
The variety. There are different themes, from love like in 'The Gift of the Magi' to the exploration of human nature in 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find'.
The suspense. They keep you on the edge of your seat. For example, in 'The Lottery', you don't know what the lottery is really about until the very end, and the shock of the revelation is what makes it so appealing.
The stories are special because they often deal with universal themes. For example, love, as in 'The Gift of the Magi'. They also have unique narrative styles. 'The Necklace' has a very engaging plot that keeps you guessing until the end.
Short stories are great because they're quick to read and can pack a powerful punch in a short amount of time.
The magic. These stories often have unique magical elements. For instance, in some stories, there are talking animals or objects with special powers. It makes the world in the story different from our own.
One reason is the element of surprise. In a short space, they can shock readers with unexpected twists like in 'The Monkey's Paw'. Another is the ability to tap into our deepest fears, such as the fear of the unknown in 'The Call of Cthulhu'.
They often deal with universal fears like death, the unknown, and the afterlife. Since they are short, they can focus on one core fear and really drive it home. In many short ghost stories, the idea of something that was once dead coming back to haunt the living is a common theme, which plays on our natural fear of the supernatural. Also, they can be read in one sitting, so they are perfect for when you want a quick dose of horror without having to commit to a long novel.
One reason is their brevity. They can be read in a short time, which is convenient for people with busy schedules. For example, you can finish a great little short story during your commute.
The use of language. Great fiction short stories use vivid and precise language. The authors carefully choose their words to create a specific mood. For instance, Edgar Allan Poe's stories are filled with dark and evocative language that sets a spooky and mysterious atmosphere.