I would say 'The Rats in the Walls' is also a very good horror story by Lovecraft. The idea of the rats in the walls being more than just normal vermin, and the dark secrets they seem to be associated with, creates a sense of claustrophobic horror. The protagonist's descent into madness as he discovers more about his family's past is quite disturbing.
In terms of horror elements, 'The Call of Cthulhu' is often considered one of the best. The idea of a powerful, sleeping, and indescribable being that could destroy the world at any time is truly terrifying. The cults that worship it and the slow build - up of the horror as the protagonist uncovers more about Cthulhu and its influence is masterfully done.
Definitely 'A Rose for Emily'. It has a unique narrative structure. The story unfolds in a non - linear way, which keeps the reader engaged as they piece together the events in Emily's life. The use of a collective narrator gives it an almost gossipy, small - town feel that adds to the atmosphere of the story. Also, the themes of isolation, the weight of the past, and the grotesque are masterfully handled.
However, 'Amerika' should not be overlooked. It offers a different perspective on Kafka's themes. His look at the American experience, with all its opportunities and challenges, was quite ahead of its time. It's an important work for understanding Kafka's view on the modern world and how individuals navigate it.
For me, 'My Ántonia' stands out in terms of literary merit. The way Cather weaves the story of Ántonia, a Bohemian immigrant girl, is masterful. The relationship between the narrator and Ántonia is complex and deeply moving, and the descriptions of the Nebraska landscape add a rich backdrop to the story.
Definitely 'Naked Lunch'. Its experimental style, where Burroughs breaks all the traditional rules of writing, is just amazing. The way it mixes different scenarios, dialogues, and hallucinations is like nothing else. It has had a huge impact on the literary world, inspiring many other writers to be more adventurous with their writing.
'Good Old Neon' stands out in terms of literary merit. Wallace's use of stream - of - consciousness and his ability to create a character who is both relatable and deeply flawed makes it a masterful piece. The story's exploration of self - identity and the lies we tell ourselves is presented in a way that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating.
In terms of both art and story, 'The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories' is excellent. The art style is perfect for capturing the Lovecraftian atmosphere. The dark, shadowy visuals work well with the stories that are filled with cosmic horror. For example, when it shows the indescribable Cthulhu, the art makes it seem truly terrifying.
Definitely 'Beloved'. It has had a huge impact on how we view slavery in literature. It challenges the readers to confront the brutal reality of slavery and its long - lasting effects on the psyche of the enslaved. The way Morrison writes about the relationship between the living and the dead in the context of slavery is revolutionary.
Definitely 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane starts as a poor, orphaned girl who endures a lot of hardships at the hands of her relatives and at the boarding school. However, she grows into a strong - willed and independent woman. She stands up for herself, falls in love on her own terms, and in the end, finds her own place in the world, which is a remarkable transformation from a disadvantaged position to a self - realized individual.
Definitely 'Brave New World'. It's very well - known for its vision of a future where consumerism and technology control people's lives. It has influenced a lot of other works in the dystopian genre.