The psychological depth. Take 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. The narrator's descent into madness and his obsession with the old man's eye are deeply explored. Poe was able to get into the minds of his characters in a way that was very ahead of his time. Also, his use of symbolism, like in 'The Masque of the Red Death' where the different rooms symbolize different stages of life and death, adds another layer of meaning.
The atmosphere. Poe was a master at creating a spooky, mysterious atmosphere. In stories like 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the description of the decaying mansion and the strange events within it immediately draw you in.
The unique and often macabre themes make them special. Poe often delved into the darker aspects of human nature, like madness, revenge, and death. This sets his stories apart from more light - hearted works.
The unique atmosphere. Poe was a master at creating a sense of gloom, mystery and dread. For example, in 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the decaying mansion and the sickly Usher siblings set a spooky tone. His use of unreliable narrators also stands out. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic mental state makes the story more intriguing as we can't fully trust his account.
The '25 best short stories' are special because they cover a wide range of themes. They can make you feel various emotions like joy, sadness, horror or surprise. For example, some stories might touch on love and sacrifice, while others might explore the darker side of human nature.
These short stories are special as they often use unique writing styles. Take Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants' for instance. His sparse use of words yet ability to convey deep emotions and complex situations is remarkable. Also, many of these stories, like 'The Yellow Wallpaper', are able to pack a powerful punch in just a few pages, making the reader think deeply about important issues such as gender roles and mental health.
One aspect that makes Allan Edgar Poe's stories special is his deep understanding of human psychology. In his works, he portrays characters with complex emotions and motives. This is evident in 'The Black Cat' where the narrator's guilt and descent into madness are explored in great detail. Also, his use of symbolism, like the black cat itself, adds depth to the story.
The dark and mysterious themes make it captivating. Poe delved into the human mind's darkest corners.
The short stories in 'Lithub best short stories' are special for several reasons. Firstly, the diversity of voices. There are stories from different eras and cultures, which gives a rich tapestry of human experiences. Secondly, the exploration of deep emotions. Whether it's jealousy, hope, or despair, these stories dig deep into the human psyche. And finally, the literary merit. The use of language, the pacing, and the overall structure of these stories are often of high quality, making them not just enjoyable reads but also works that can be studied and analyzed.
Twain's use of humor. His stories are filled with witty remarks and comical situations that make them highly engaging.
The best Faulkner short stories are special because of his unique writing style. He often uses stream - of - consciousness, which gives the reader an in - depth look into the characters' minds. His exploration of the South, with all its traditions, prejudices, and complex social hierarchies, also makes his stories stand out.
The special thing about the best short Lovecraft stories is the sense of cosmic horror. He often makes the characters and the readers feel that humans are insignificant in the face of vast and unknowable cosmic forces. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu', Cthulhu is this ancient and powerful being from another dimension that could destroy humanity without a second thought.