Most cxc best short stories often have a clear and concise plot. They don't waste words and get straight to the point.
Cxc best short stories are good at creating a vivid atmosphere with limited words. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the gloomy and foreboding atmosphere is palpable from the start. They also often end with a twist or a thought - provoking conclusion that makes the reader reflect on the story long after reading it.
They usually focus on a single or a few main characters. This allows for in - depth exploration of their personalities and motives. For example, in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the two main characters' relationship and the narrator's motives are central to the story. The stories also tend to have a strong theme, like revenge in 'The Cask of Amontillado' or love and sacrifice in 'The Gift of the Magi'.
The stories may have diverse themes. Some could be about love and relationships, while others might focus on adventure or mystery. For example, there could be a story about a detective solving a mysterious case in a small town, which is full of twists and turns. And also there might be a story of a couple falling in love against all odds.
The ability to convey a complete and impactful story in a short span. They don't waste words but still manage to tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Some of the best CXC short stories start with a hook that grabs the reader's attention immediately, then they build up the plot and end with a satisfying or thought - provoking conclusion. This efficient use of narrative structure is what makes them shine.
One great cxc best short story could be 'The Gift of the Magi'. It tells the story of a young couple who are very poor but deeply in love. The wife cuts and sells her long, beautiful hair to buy a chain for her husband's precious watch. Meanwhile, the husband sells his watch to buy a set of combs for his wife's hair. It's a heart - warming tale about sacrifice and love.
One more is 'The Swamp Dwellers' by Wole Soyinka. It delves into the lives of people in a swamp area, their struggles, traditions, and how they interact with the outside world. The story is rich in cultural details and gives readers an in - depth look at a different way of life.
One interesting cxc short story could be about a young adventurer. He sets out on a journey through a mysterious forest. Along the way, he meets strange creatures that teach him valuable lessons about life and friendship.
Another theme could be the human condition. Many stories in it might explore how people react to different situations, like poverty, love or loss. For instance, a story could show how a person copes with the death of a loved one and what it reveals about their character. There may also be stories that deal with the theme of social class differences. They might show how people from different social classes interact, and the prejudices or advantages that come with each class. This can be seen in stories where a poor character tries to fit into a wealthy society or vice versa.
They probably have engaging plots. Since they are short stories, they need to grab the reader's attention quickly. So, there could be unexpected twists and turns, like in a mystery - themed story where the solution is not what you initially expect. In addition, the use of vivid language is common. With limited space, the authors need to create a vivid world. They might use unique descriptions of settings and characters to make them come alive in the reader's mind. This helps to make the short story memorable despite its brevity.
The short stories in 'best 2019 short stories' may also be known for their ability to evoke strong emotions in a limited number of words. They can make you feel joy, sadness, or surprise in just a few pages. Take a story about a child's first encounter with loss. It can be so poignant that it stays with you long after you've finished reading, even though it's a short piece.
The best short short stories usually have a tight plot. Take 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' for instance. The events are carefully crafted to build suspense and surprise. They also tend to have well - drawn characters despite their brevity. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', the two main characters' personalities and relationship are subtly revealed through their dialogue. Moreover, they can often make a big impact with just a few words, like 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' which leaves you pondering long after reading.
The 10 best short stories often have a unique narrative voice. In 'Hills Like White Elephants', Hemingway's sparse style gives the story a certain tension. They also tend to be very focused. 'The Necklace' focuses on the consequences of one woman's pride and it doesn't deviate from that central idea. Moreover, they can create a strong emotional impact in a short amount of time. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' manages to evoke feelings of claustrophobia and madness in a relatively brief story.