famous european short stories

One characteristic is the exploration of complex human emotions. For example, in 'The Necklace', the protagonist experiences envy, pride, and despair. Another is the use of vivid settings. European short stories often paint detailed pictures of their settings, like the cold streets in 'The Little Match Girl'. Also, they frequently deal with social issues. 'The Metamorphosis' can be seen as a critique of modern society's dehumanizing effect on individuals.

Anton Chekhov, from Russia, is also well - known for his short stories. His stories are known for their psychological depth and ability to capture the essence of human nature. For example, 'The Lady with the Dog' is a great exploration of love and human relationships.

Guy de Maupassant from France is very famous. His short stories are known for their sharp observations of human nature and unexpected endings. For example, 'The Necklace' is a well - known story that shows how pride can lead to unexpected consequences.

One famous European short story is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant. It tells the story of a woman who borrows a diamond necklace to attend a high - society event, loses it, and then spends years in poverty trying to replace it, only to find out in the end that the original necklace was a fake. Another is 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. It's a tragic tale of a poor girl selling matches on a cold New Year's Eve. She has visions while lighting the matches and ultimately freezes to death. And 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka is also well - known. In this story, Gregor Samsa wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect and has to deal with the reactions of his family and society.

Here are some recommendations for European and American short stories: 1. " The Gift of the Magi " was a short story by the American writer O. Henry. It told the story of a young couple who gave each other gifts on Christmas Eve. This was a very famous American novel and was considered a must-read. 2. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was a short story written by the American writer Washington Irving. It was known as one of the earliest modern short stories. It was contained in Owen's collection of essays, Notes on Experiences and Visits. 3. Eleven Forms of Solitude was a collection of short stories by Richard Yates. It described the stories of small people who were isolated from society, showing their predicament in reality and the alienation of interpersonal relationships. The book described the lives of the people at the bottom of the social ladder in a cold tone. It was well worth reading. 4. Old Babes in the Wood was the first novel by Margaret Atwood, winner of the Booker Prize. It included 15 short stories. Among them, the title of " Old Boy in the Woods " was inspired by the traditional English folk story," Children in the Woods." This short story recorded the story of two old sisters in a lakeside house. 5. Yellowface was the latest novel by Kuang Lingxiu, a Chinese writer. It used sharp and humorous language to accuse white people of privilege and cultural plagiarism. Please note that the recommended novels above are based on the search results provided. There may be other excellent European and American short stories that have not been mentioned.

The story of St. Lucia in Sweden is quite renowned. On St. Lucia's Day (December 13th), a girl is chosen to dress as St. Lucia, wearing a white dress and a crown of candles. This has a religious and cultural significance in Swedish Christmas traditions. In addition, the story of the Christmas crib or Nativity scene is very famous in Europe. It shows the birth of Jesus in a stable, with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the animals. It is a visual representation of the most important event in the Christian Christmas story and is often re - created in churches and homes across Europe.

One famous European horror story is 'Dracula'. It was created by Bram Stoker. The story features the vampire Dracula who travels from Transylvania to England, preying on the living. Another is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It tells of a man who can transform into a more evil version of himself. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also well - known. It's about a scientist who creates a monster.

One famous European ghost story is the tale of the Bloody Mary. Legend has it that if you say her name three times in front of a mirror in a dark room, she will appear. Another is the story of the Flying Dutchman, a ghost ship doomed to sail the seas forever. And then there's the White Lady, often associated with castles and mansions across Europe, said to be the spirit of a wronged woman who haunts the place of her misfortune.

The Castle of Good Hope in South Africa (which has European colonial history) has a ghost story. A ghost known as the Lady in Grey is said to haunt there. In Europe proper, there's the story of the Black Shuck in England. It's a large, spectral black dog that is often seen as an omen of death. Then there's the tale of the Näcken in Swedish folklore. The Näcken is a water spirit that lures people, especially musicians, to their doom in rivers and lakes by playing enchanting music.

One famous European children story is 'Hansel and Gretel'. It's about two siblings who are left in the forest by their stepmother. They find a house made of gingerbread and candies but it belongs to a wicked witch. Another is 'Cinderella', where a kind - hearted girl is mistreated by her step - family but with the help of her fairy godmother, she goes to the ball and marries the prince. Also, 'Snow White' is well - known. A beautiful princess is persecuted by her jealous stepmother, the queen, and she takes refuge with seven dwarfs until the prince comes to save her.