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.
One characteristic is their rich exploration of human emotions. They often dig deep into feelings like love, hate, jealousy, and loneliness. For instance, many stories show how characters deal with unrequited love or the breakdown of relationships.
The language used in European Portuguese short stories is often very descriptive. It can vividly paint pictures of the settings, whether it's the narrow streets of Lisbon or the beautiful Portuguese countryside. This helps the reader to fully immerse in the story's world.
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.
They tend to be deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of Europe. This means that they can reflect the values, beliefs, and social norms of different European regions and time periods. For instance, Chekhov's stories often show the social and moral landscapes of Russia at his time. The settings, characters, and plot developments are all influenced by the specific European cultures from which they originate.
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.
The three masters of European short stories were O Henry, Maurassant, and Victor Hugo.
O. Henry's short stories often used humor, irony, and exaggeration to portray characters with complicated plots and often unexpected endings. His unique style of writing was known as the pioneer of American humor.
In his short stories, he focused on social life and human nature, revealing the various problems of French society at that time. His works had profound thoughts and unique artistic style.
Victor Hugo's short stories focused on the complexity and contradiction of human nature and explored the theme of human destiny and history. His works were vigorous and romantic.
One characteristic is their exploration of modern - day social issues. They often touch on topics like family breakdown, identity crisis in a multicultural Europe, and the impact of technology on relationships.
Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' is also a famous European short story. In it, Gregor Samsa wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect. It explores themes of alienation, family, and the human condition in a very unique and thought - provoking way.
European science fiction short stories often have a strong sense of intellectual exploration. They tend to delve deeply into philosophical concepts. For example, Stanislaw Lem's works often question the nature of intelligence and existence. Another characteristic is the use of rich and detailed settings. They create vivid worlds, like in 'Solaris' where the planet itself is a complex and mysterious entity. Also, European sci - fi short stories can be quite dark and dystopian at times, exploring the negative consequences of technology or human actions.