10 Best Short Stories in English Literature for you
Are you bored and want to read something informative and interesting? Do you want to read and learn something good in very less time? If you are one from these people then you are at the right place. In this article, we are here with 10 best short stories for you in English.
These best short stories are well-crafted and engaging, with memorable characters and a strong plot. These stories often have a unique perspective, provide insight into the human condition, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Many of the best short stories are also considered timeless, as they continue to resonate with readers across generations and cultures.
Here are 10 best short stories in English, along with the lessons that we can learn from them:
10 Best Short Stories in English
1. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
This story depicts a small town that holds an annual lottery where the winner is stoned to death. The story highlights the danger of blindly following tradition and the potential for groupthink to lead to violence.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Don’t blindly follow tradition and be aware of the potential for groupthink to lead to dangerous actions.
2. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe
In this story, a murderer becomes increasingly disturbed by the sound of the victim’s beating heart. The story is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of human madness.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
The guilt of a wrong action can have a profound effect on a person’s mental state.
3. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
This is a story about a young couple who sacrifices their most prized possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other. The story highlights the power of selflessness and love.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
The greatest gift we can give is selflessness and love.
4. “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner
This story explores the life of an eccentric woman named Emily, who lives in a decaying Southern town. The story is a commentary on the changes in the American South after the Civil War.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
The past can have a powerful influence on the present, and it is important to confront and deal with past traumas.
5. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This story follows a woman who is confined to her room as part of her “treatment” for what is likely postpartum depression. The story highlights the patriarchal attitudes towards women’s health and mental health.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Women’s voices need to be heard and their mental health needs to be taken seriously.
6. “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway
This is a story about a writer who is dying of gangrene while on safari in Africa. The story is a reflection on the nature of life, death, and regret.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Life is short and we should live it to the fullest, taking the opportunities we have.
7. “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
This story is about a man who seeks revenge on another man, luring him into a wine cellar where he is then buried alive. The story is a commentary on the dark and sinister nature of human revenge.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Revenge is a dangerous and destructive force that can have long-lasting consequences.
8. “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka
This story is about a man who wakes up one morning to find that he has been transformed into a giant insect. The story is a reflection on the existential dread that can come with realizing one’s own insignificance in the world.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Our sense of self and identity is constantly changing, and we must learn to adapt to the changes around us.
9. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor
This story follows a family on a road trip that ends in a brutal encounter with a group of criminals. The story is a commentary on the nature of evil and the human capacity for violence.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
There is a dark side to human nature that we must acknowledge and confront.
10. “The Last Question” by Isaac Asimov
This science fiction story explores the nature of humanity and the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass us. The story is a reflection on the limits of human knowledge and our quest to understand the universe.
Lesson you can learn from this story:
Our understanding of the universe and ourselves is constantly evolving, and we must remain curious and open-minded in our quest for knowledge.
Also Read: Lessons to be Learned from the 10 Best Short Stories in english
FAQs on Best Short Stories in English
Q1: What is the best way to discover great short stories in English literature?
A: There are many ways to discover great short stories in English literature. You can read anthologies and collections of short stories, explore literary magazines and journals, or ask for recommendations from friends, librarians, or booksellers. You can also do research online and find lists of recommended short stories from literary critics and experts.
Q2: What makes a short story one of the best in English literature?
A: A great short story is typically well-crafted and engaging, with vivid characters, a memorable plot, and a unique perspective. It should offer insight into the human condition and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Q3: Who are some of the best short story writers in English literature?
A: Some of the most acclaimed short story writers in English literature include Edgar Allan Poe, Flannery O’Connor, James Joyce, Raymond Carver, Alice Munro, and Jhumpa Lahiri.
Q4: What are some of the most famous short stories in English literature?
A: Some of the most famous short stories in English literature include “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner.
Conclusion
The power of a good short story lies in its ability to transport us to other worlds, to confront us with difficult questions, and to offer insights into the human experience. From the dark and disturbing to the heart-warming and inspiring, the stories on this list represent some of the best that English literature has to offer.
Through these stories, we can learn valuable lessons about the human condition, from the dangers of blind adherence to tradition to the importance of confronting our own demons. Ultimately, these stories remind us of the complexity and richness of the human experience and encourage us to continue exploring and questioning the world around us.
