best english short stories

One characteristic is a concise plot. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game', the story quickly sets up the situation of a hunter becoming the hunted on an island. Another is strong character development in a short span. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', we can clearly see the vengeful nature of Montresor. Also, they often have a powerful theme. 'To Build a Fire' shows man's struggle against nature in a very short space.

Well, 'The Necklace' is a well - known English short story. It tells the story of a woman who borrows a necklace to attend a ball, loses it, and then spends years in poverty trying to replace it, only to find out at the end that the original necklace was fake. Also, Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' is a classic. The narrator's descent into madness while being haunted by the old man's 'vulture - eye' makes for a thrilling read. Then there's 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. It plays with the concept of time and the illusions of a man about to be hanged.

Well, they often have engaging plots. They can draw you in quickly and keep you hooked till the end. For example, many use vivid language to create a strong sense of place and character.

Another great short story is 'A Rose for Emily' by William Faulkner. It's a rather dark and complex story about a southern belle named Emily. It delves into themes of tradition, change, and the passage of time. The townspeople's view of Emily and the mystery surrounding her actions make it a very engaging read.

Some good mystery English short stories include 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a story full of mystery as the narrator's mental state deteriorates while she is confined to a room with strange wallpaper. 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' by Frank R. Stockton is also interesting. The ending is left ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder whether the lady or the tiger came out of the door. Also, 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, where a man exacts a very devious revenge in a catacomb, filled with mystery and suspense.

A great one to start with could be 'The Boy Next Door' if you like romance. It's a simple yet engaging short story. Another is 'The Mystery of the Old House' for mystery lovers. It has an interesting plot that keeps you guessing.

I think 'The Little Prince' is a great choice. It has simple language and a very interesting and profound story. The story is about a little prince who travels from planet to planet, and it's full of beautiful illustrations as well.

The best short English stories often have engaging characters. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, the young couple is very relatable. They are poor but deeply in love. Also, a great short story usually has a clear and impactful theme. It can make you think about life, love, or human nature in just a few pages. Another characteristic is a well - structured plot. There's often a beginning that grabs your attention, a middle with some sort of conflict, and an ending that might surprise you or leave you with a deep impression.

One great source is the website 'British Council - Learn English'. They have a wide range of short stories for different levels. Another good one is 'EnglishClub'. They offer free short stories along with exercises to check your understanding. Also, many classic children's books, like 'Aesop's Fables', are great sources of short stories for English learning. They use simple language and have interesting moral lessons.

O. Henry is the author of 'The Gift of the Magi'. Guy de Maupassant wrote 'The Necklace'. And William Faulkner is the one behind 'A Rose for Emily'.