One of the best is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It was published in a magazine and is a classic short fiction with a shocking ending that makes readers think about society and human nature.
One of the best magazines for short stories is 'The New Yorker'. It has a long history of publishing high - quality short stories from a diverse range of authors. Their editorial team has a great eye for unique and engaging stories that cover various themes and styles.
'McSweeney's' is also a great choice. It's known for its innovative approach to literature. They often feature unique and experimental short stories that push the boundaries of the genre. It provides a platform for many new voices in short fiction writing, and the design and layout of the magazine also add to its charm.
Another excellent option is McSweeney's. It publishes a variety of interesting and innovative short stories. McSweeney's is open to different styles and voices, which makes it a great place to submit your short story. It has a unique aesthetic and often showcases stories that are thought - provoking and engaging.
There are fictions that cover a wide array of themes. The New Yorker has published fictions that deal with historical events in a fictionalized way, as well as stories that are set in modern urban landscapes. A lot of the fictions also focus on human emotions and relationships. They might be about love, loss, or the struggle to find one's place in the world. These fictions are not only entertaining but also thought - provoking.
Some of the best short fictions include 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. This story plays with time and perception in a really interesting way. 'Young Goodman Brown' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is also great. It deals with themes of sin, faith, and the human psyche. Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' is a well - known short fiction. Its vivid description of the narrator's madness makes it a standout, and Poe's use of language to create a sense of horror is masterful.
Well, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, though it was later expanded into a novel, started as a great short story. It shows a world training children to fight in a future war against an alien race. 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a profound story that makes you think about the cost of a utopian society. Also, 'Nightfall' by Isaac Asimov is amazing. It's about a planet where night comes very rarely and the chaos that ensues when it does, exploring themes of fear, knowledge, and civilization.
Some good short story historical fictions are 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' by Herman Melville. It gives insights into the working environment and social relationships in a 19th - century office. 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant is also worth mentioning. Set in France, it shows the vanity and the social class differences of the time. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London is set in the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. It vividly depicts the harsh environment and the struggle for survival, which is very representative of that historical period.
One of the best magazine stories could be 'The Old Man and the Sea' which was often featured in magazines. It's a story of a man's struggle against nature, showing great perseverance.
Some of the best Asimov short fictions include 'Nightfall'. In this story, Asimov explores the concept of a planet where darkness only comes once every few thousand years, and the psychological and social impact it has on the inhabitants when it finally arrives. It's a brilliant exploration of fear and the unknown.
Some popular magazine short stories include those by O. Henry. His stories often have unexpected endings. For example, 'The Gift of the Magi' is a well - known one. The characters' selfless love and the ironic twist at the end make it a classic short story that was often published in magazines.