A very good example is 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M. R. James. It involves a strange whistle that summons an otherworldly presence. The story builds a great sense of unease and horror through its descriptions of the desolate coastal setting. Another is 'The Great God Pan' by Arthur Machen. It delves into the idea of the pagan god Pan and the horror that his existence and the knowledge of the 'Great Beyond' can bring, with themes of madness and the unknown.
One well - known British horror short story is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. It tells the tale of a magical monkey's paw that grants wishes but with unforeseen and often terrifying consequences. Another is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe, though he was American, his works had a great influence on British horror. It delves into the mind of a madman who is haunted by the sound of a dead man's heart. Also, 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is a classic. It's about a female vampire, predating Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' and exploring themes of female sexuality and horror in a unique way.
There are many gay British short stories. 'The Tutor' by K.C. Constantine is an interesting one. It shows the relationship between two men in a somewhat complex and nuanced way. Then there is 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' by Jeanette Winterson which, while it's more of a novel, has short - story - like chapters that deal with her experiences as a lesbian growing up in a religious and rather unaccepting environment in Britain.
M. R. James is a very famous author. He wrote many great horror short stories. His works often feature spooky old buildings, strange artifacts, and ghostly apparitions. Sheridan Le Fanu is also well - known for his horror stories, especially 'Carmilla'. Then there's Algernon Blackwood. His stories are known for their exploration of the supernatural and the psychological aspects of horror.
One of the best is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a masterful short story that delves into the mind of a deranged narrator. Another great one is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry which has a beautiful and ironic plot about selfless love. And 'The Monkey's Paw' is also a classic British short story filled with suspense and a touch of the macabre.
The character development in 'Great British Short Stories' is quite remarkable. Even within the short space, the characters are vividly drawn. They can be complex and multi - faceted, representing different social classes and personalities. Also, the themes are diverse, covering love, loss, ambition, and social inequality, which makes the collection appealing to a wide range of readers.
Another one could be 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' which has queer themes. While it's more about a young woman's journey, it also reflects on the broader LGBTQ+ experience in a British religious and social context, and can be related to the overall narrative of different sexual orientations and their stories in Britain.
One notable feature is the diversity of voices. It includes works from various British authors, each with their own unique style and perspective. Another is the range of themes explored, from love and loss to social commentary.
One notable modern literature short story is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a disturbing tale that reveals the dark side of human nature through a seemingly ordinary small - town lottery. Another is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, which is full of complex characters and religious undertones. And then there's 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway, a story that masterfully conveys a relationship's tension through sparse dialogue.
One notable feminist literature short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It shows the oppression of women through the protagonist's descent into madness due to the restrictions placed on her by society and her husband. Another is 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf, which, although more of an essay in short story - like form, argues for women's need for financial independence and a space of their own to be creative. Also, 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin has feminist undertones as it explores themes of gender roles and identity in a complex way.
Well, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor is a great example. It delves deep into themes of morality, grace, and the grotesque. The story's complex characters and unexpected plot twists make it a memorable short story in contemporary literature. Also, Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories, like 'Interpreter of Maladies', are very good. She writes about the immigrant experience, family relationships, and cultural clashes in a very poignant and relatable way.