most read short stories

One of the most read short stories is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells a touching story about a young couple who sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other.

Most read short stories often have relatable characters. Readers can see themselves or people they know in the characters' situations. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple's love and struggle with poverty are things many can relate to. They also usually have a strong plot. In 'The Lottery', the unexpected turn of events keeps readers on their toes. And many of them convey a deeper message, like 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' which makes you think about how we treat the strange and different.

For 'The Gift of the Magi', the author is O. Henry. He was known for his clever and heartwarming short stories with surprise endings. In the case of 'The Necklace', Guy de Maupassant wrote it. He was a master of the short story form in French literature. And for 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings', Gabriel García Márquez, the famous Colombian author associated with magical realism, is the creator.

Well, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is highly read. It's a gripping horror story that delves into the mind of a madman. Then there's 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway. This short story is known for its spare and ambiguous style, leaving much to the reader's interpretation. Also, 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce is quite popular. It has a twist ending that makes it very memorable.

One of the most read short stories is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells the story of a young couple who are very poor but want to give each other special Christmas gifts. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which is a thought - provoking tale about a small town's annual lottery with a dark and unexpected ending. And 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel García Márquez is also popular, with its blend of magical realism and exploration of human nature.

I think 'The Necklace' is a must - read. It's not strictly a traditional love story at first glance, but it shows the relationship between a husband and a wife. When Mathilde loses the necklace, her husband goes to great lengths to try and replace it. It shows his love and loyalty, even in difficult circumstances.

The most read stories often include classic novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' which has endured for centuries due to its complex characters and engaging love story. Another popular type is mystery stories such as those by Agatha Christie. Her intricate plots keep readers guessing until the very end.

For beginners, 'The Three Little Pigs' is a well - known short story. It's a fable that has been passed down through generations. The story of the three pigs building their houses - one of straw, one of sticks, and one of bricks - and facing the big bad wolf is both entertaining and educational. It can be a great introduction to the world of short stories as it has a clear moral and simple plot.

The short story about Levi's past is really interesting. It gives more depth to his character.

Another popular one is 'The Bet'. It presents an interesting bet between a banker and a young lawyer. It makes readers think about the value of life, money, and knowledge through their long - term wager.