I really like 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's set in a small town where there's an annual lottery. But as the story unfolds, you realize that this lottery is not a good thing at all. It has a dark and unexpected ending, which is a commentary on blind tradition and the darker side of human nature.
'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel García Márquez is also great. It tells the story of a strange old man with wings who appears in a small village. The villagers' reactions range from curiosity to cruelty. It's a story full of magical realism elements, making readers think about human nature and how we treat the unknown.
One of the well - known ones is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's a classic that introduces the terrifying Cthulhu entity and its cult. The story builds a sense of dread through its descriptions of strange happenings and the discovery of ancient, otherworldly knowledge.
Well, 'The Lottery' could be one. It's a really thought - provoking short story that shows how blindly following traditions can lead to horror. Another might be 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' which is full of complex characters and moral ambiguity. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is also great as it delves into the mental state of a woman in a very interesting and disturbing way.
There could also be stories that are more about the adventure aspect. Picture a fisherman setting out on a remote lake or sea, facing unexpected challenges like a sudden storm. The story would detail how they deal with these difficulties while still trying to catch fish. It might talk about their survival skills and the beauty of the natural world around them during such trying times.
One of the best short stories is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a heartwarming tale of a young couple who sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other. Another great one is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor. It has complex characters and a disturbing plot that makes you think. And 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is also a classic, with its shocking ending that challenges our ideas about tradition.
Another great short story is 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel García Márquez. It's a magical realist story about a strange old man with wings who appears in a village. People's reactions to him range from curiosity to cruelty, and it explores themes of humanity, faith, and the unknown.
Well, 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen can be considered a great short fantasy short story. It's a poignant tale where the girl has these visions while freezing in the cold. 'The Sandman' is also a classic in the short fantasy realm. It has an eerie and dream - like quality. Oh, and don't forget 'The Fisherman and His Soul' which is full of rich fantasy elements like mermaids and souls being separated.
One great coming of age short story is 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. It shows a young man's growth in the face of extreme danger. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which makes the young protagonist and readers question the traditions they've grown up with. Also, 'A&P' by John Updike is good. It tells about a young store clerk's moment of realization about society and his own place in it.
One great sports short story could be about an underdog athlete who overcomes incredible odds. For example, a small - town runner with no proper training facilities manages to win a major marathon. His story might include his daily struggles, like running on rough terrains and with old shoes, but still having the determination to succeed.
One great elementary school short story is 'The Little Red Hen'. It teaches kids about the importance of hard work as the hen does all the work to make bread while the other animals refuse to help but then want to share. Another is 'The Tortoise and the Hare', which shows that slow and steady can win the race, a valuable lesson in perseverance. And 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' is also popular. It helps children understand concepts like size differences and respecting others' property.
There might be 'The Monkey's Paw' which has elements of the supernatural and shows how a simple wish - granting object can bring great horror. The family in the story experiences unexpected and terrifying consequences from their wishes.