Research the time period in which he wrote. His stories are often reflective of the mid - 20th - century American society. Understanding the social norms, values, and pressures of that time can give more context to his characters' actions and the overall themes in his stories.
Read them more than once. Cheever's stories often have hidden depths. For example, in 'The Swimmer', the first read might seem like just a strange physical journey, but on further reads, you start to see the metaphor for the character's life disintegration.
First, read them carefully. Pay attention to the details of the settings, like in 'The Enormous Radio' where the apartment setting is important for understanding the characters' isolation and nosiness. Second, analyze the characters. For example, in 'Goodbye, My Brother', understanding the different personalities of the siblings helps you see the family dynamic better. Third, think about the themes. In 'The Swimmer', the theme of self - discovery through a strange journey is key to fully appreciating the story.
One can start by looking at literary anthologies that feature classic American short stories. These often include some of Cheever's best works. Another way is to ask at a local library. Librarians are usually well - informed about great literature and can point you in the right direction. You could also check online bookstores and look at the reviews and ratings of his different stories to determine which ones are considered the best.
One way is to look at the themes that are recurrent in his works. If a story has a deep exploration of human nature, relationships, and the subtleties of suburban life, it's likely to be among his best. For example, stories that deal with the hidden desires and discontents of middle - class characters.
First, read them carefully. Pay attention to the details, like the descriptions of the characters and the settings. This helps you understand the world the author has created.
Understand the context of his life. Bukowski had a rough life, and this is reflected in his stories. Knowing about his experiences with poverty, alcohol, and relationships will give you a deeper understanding of why his characters act the way they do in stories like 'Notes of a Dirty Old Man'. He often drew from his own reality.
To fully appreciate 'the world's 100 best short stories', you should first do some research on the authors. Knowing their backgrounds and the literary movements they were part of can give you more context. Also, read the stories multiple times. The first time, you might just get the basic plot, but with each subsequent reading, you'll notice more subtleties in the writing, like the use of symbolism and foreshadowing. And don't be afraid to discuss the stories with others. Sharing different perspectives can enhance your understanding.
Finally, discuss her stories with others. You can join a book club or have conversations with friends who have also read her work. Different people will have different interpretations, and these discussions can expand your understanding of the nuances in Ann Beattie's best stories. For instance, you might discover new perspectives on the motives of a character or the significance of a particular event in the story that you hadn't considered before.
Another important aspect is to look at the historical and social context of the stories. Garner was writing at a certain time and place, and his stories are often influenced by the events and culture around him. By understanding this context, you can better appreciate the themes and messages in his stories. His stories are like little windows into the past, and exploring them in this way can be really rewarding.
One should also study the themes he presents. Themes like love, loss, and the passage of time are common in his short stories. By analyzing how he develops these themes, you can fully appreciate his work. Additionally, look at his use of literary devices such as symbolism and foreshadowing. For example, a particular object in a story might symbolize a character's inner turmoil. Understanding these devices enhances the reading experience.
One way to fully appreciate these stories is to engage with them on multiple levels. Read them once for the basic plot, then go back and analyze the language, the symbols, and the character arcs. Discuss the stories with others who have read them. This can give you new insights. Another important thing is to keep an open mind and be receptive to different styles of writing and storytelling.