One theme that often shows up in these stories is the power of the mind. In 'The Rocking - Horse Winner', the boy's mind has this strange power. Also, the theme of deception is there. In 'The Open Window', the girl deceives the visitor with her made - up story. And sometimes, there's a theme of unrequited love or loss, which can be found in various less - known short stories.
In some little known short stories, the theme of isolation is common. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character is isolated in a room, which drives her to madness. Another theme can be the dark side of human nature, like in 'The Lottery' where the villagers' cruel behavior is revealed.
Often, little known great short stories have unique themes. They might explore less common aspects of human nature or society. For example, they could deal with marginalized groups or unusual emotions. Their writing styles can be very distinctive as well. Some might use experimental narrative techniques.
One little known short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a story about a woman's descent into madness while confined to a room with yellow wallpaper. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which has a shocking ending. It's set in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark purpose.
One common theme is mischief. Little Johnny often gets into little acts of mischief, like trying to play pranks on his siblings or friends, which makes the stories humorous.
In one civil war, there was a village priest who tried to mediate between the two warring sides. He would go back and forth, trying to get them to talk peace. He wasn't very successful in the end, but his efforts showed that there were always those who tried to stop the bloodshed. He risked his life every time he crossed the battle lines to talk to the commanders.
There are many. For example, 'The Dead' by James Joyce. It's a story that delves deep into the human psyche and the concept of death. It has beautiful prose. 'The Beast in the Jungle' by Henry James is also worth reading. It's about a man's fear of missing out on some great event in his life. And 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is a dark and suspenseful story of revenge.
One possible theme could be self - discovery. In short stories, characters often go through situations that force them to learn more about themselves.
Many of Bentley Little's short stories often involve elements of the macabre and the strange. One common theme is the disruption of the ordinary. He likes to take normal, everyday situations and twist them into something terrifying. For example, in some stories, suburban neighborhoods which are typically seen as safe havens become sites of horror.
Love and protection are common themes. Daddies in these stories often protect their little girls from harm, whether it's from a bully at school or a scary animal in the woods. It shows the father's role as a protector.
One major theme is friendship. Just like in the main books, the short stories show how the girls support and sometimes betray each other.
The theme of self - discovery might also be present. Characters in short stories within the collection may embark on journeys to understand themselves better, facing challenges and revelations along the way.