best australian gothic short stories

The setting. The Australian outback is a key factor. It's vast, desolate, and often unforgiving. This creates a perfect backdrop for Gothic elements like isolation and danger.

Sure. 'The Chosen Vessel' by Barbara Baynton is a great one. It shows the harsh Australian outback and the perils a woman faces there in a very Gothic way.

Characteristics of the best Australian short stories include a focus on the relationship between humans and nature. Given Australia's unique flora and fauna, stories might explore how people interact with kangaroos, snakes, or the eucalyptus forests. Another aspect is the portrayal of the underdog. Australian culture has a certain admiration for those who overcome difficult odds. So, short stories often feature characters who are facing tough situations, whether it's poverty, discrimination, or the unforgiving environment, and manage to find a way forward. Moreover, humor is also a common element. Australian humor, which can be dry and self - deprecating, is often used to lighten the mood in otherwise challenging stories.

Many of the stories in it often feature the Australian landscape, like the vast outback, which becomes an important part of the setting and sometimes even a character in itself.

Another great one is 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu. This story is notable for its vampire theme. It predates Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' and has a very gothic, mysterious feel to it, with the relationship between the female characters being both alluring and menacing.

Another great one is 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu. This story is often considered a precursor to vampire fiction. It has a female vampire, Carmilla, who preys on a young woman. The story is set in a gothic landscape with an old castle and a sense of mystery that surrounds Carmilla's true nature.

Flannery O'Connor has some great southern gothic short stories. For example, 'Good Country People'. It involves complex characters like a young woman with a prosthetic leg and a con man who comes into her life. The story shows the grotesque and religious elements often found in southern gothic literature.

One of the well - known best Australian short stories is 'The Drover's Wife' by Henry Lawson. It vividly portrays the life of a woman on the outback, facing hardships alone while her husband is away droving. Another great one could be 'Big World' by Michael Chabon. It delves into themes of youth, discovery, and the search for identity in an Australian context.

Well, the 'The Best Australian Short Stories' collection typically contains stories that are rich in character development. Each story has characters that are well - crafted, making them feel real and relatable. Also, the themes explored are wide - ranging, from family relationships to social issues in Australia.

There are many talented authors. Some might include Tim Winton. His works often explore the Australian landscape and human nature within it.