In some obscure Christmas short stories, a common theme is redemption. For example, in stories where a character has done wrong things but then finds a way to make amends during the Christmas season. Another theme is the importance of family. Like in stories set in small towns where families come together for Christmas and the bonds are strengthened. Also, there's the theme of hope. In the midst of a cold and difficult Christmas, characters often find hope in small things like a kind gesture or a simple gift.
One obscure Christmas short story is 'The Fir Tree' by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a fir tree that is always longing for something more in life, even as it experiences different stages around Christmas time. Another could be 'A Country Christmas' which shows a more rural and old - fashioned Christmas celebration with simple joys and family traditions. And 'The Little Match Girl' also has elements of Christmas, with its poignant tale of a poor girl on a cold Christmas Eve.
Obscure Christmas stories are special because they offer a different view of the holiday. They might focus on aspects that are not often explored in mainstream Christmas tales, like the experiences of minor characters or unique cultural traditions related to Christmas.
One obscure Christmas story is 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the sad tale of a young girl trying to sell matches on a cold Christmas Eve. Another is 'The Christmas Tree' by Charles Dickens. It has unique perspectives on the holiday. And there's also 'A Christmas Memory' by Truman Capote which is a bittersweet reminiscence of Christmas in the South.
Context is very important when analyzing obscure short stories. Research the author's life, the time period in which the story was written, and the cultural background. For example, if an author lived through a war, there might be elements in the story related to the trauma of war, even if it's not directly stated. By understanding the context, you can better understand the story's deeper meanings and the reasons behind its obscurity.
Kafka's short stories are often obscure. For instance, 'A Hunger Artist'. It's about a man who starves himself for public entertainment. Kafka's works are full of symbolism and complex themes that can be difficult to fully understand at first, which is why they are often seen as obscure.
Their obscurity itself can be a special factor. It means they might offer unique perspectives and styles that are not commonly found in mainstream short stories.
Contacting the Black Warrior Review directly might be a good idea. They may be able to tell you where you can obtain their collection of obscure short stories, whether it's through their own website, a partner distributor, or other means.