What are the best Dorothy Parker short stories?

One of the highly regarded ones is 'Big Blonde'. It delves into the life of a woman who uses her looks and charm to get by in a rather unforgiving society. The main character's journey through relationships and her own self - perception is explored in a very poignant way that is characteristic of Parker's sharp writing style.

The best Dorothy Parker short stories tend to have a certain brevity that doesn't sacrifice depth. Take 'A Telephone Call' again. It's so short, yet it manages to convey a whole range of emotions. Her use of dialogue is also key. In stories like 'The Standard of Living', the dialogue between the characters reveals their personalities and their values. And her descriptions are vivid but not overly elaborate, which helps move the story along quickly, as in 'Big Blonde' where we can clearly picture the main character's situation.

One characteristic is her sharp wit. In her stories, she often uses clever wordplay and sarcasm. For example, she can expose the hypocrisy of society in a very humorous way. Another is her in - depth exploration of human nature. She delves into the emotions, desires, and flaws of her characters, making them very relatable. Also, her writing style is concise yet impactful, getting straight to the point while still leaving a strong impression on the reader.

One of the best is 'Big Blonde'. It's a poignant story about a woman who uses her charm and looks to get by in life but faces many challenges. It shows Parker's sharp eye for character and society's treatment of women.

You can start by looking in libraries. Most libraries have a collection of classic short stories, and Dorothy Parker's works are often included. Check the literature section, especially under anthologies of American short stories.

The themes include social satire. Dorothy Parker often mocks the pretentiousness and hypocrisy in society. For example, she might write about upper - class people with their false airs. Also, loneliness is a theme. Her characters sometimes feel isolated in a world that seems full of people but lacks true connection.

One of the most popular is 'Big Blonde'. It's popular because it portrays a complex female character in a very relatable way. The main character's struggle with her identity and her place in society strikes a chord with many readers. Another popular one could be 'A Telephone Call' which is so effective in depicting the desperation and vulnerability of a woman waiting for a call from a man. It's a simple situation but told with great emotional depth.

You'll find a lot of social climbers in her stories too. People who are more concerned with appearances and status than with true values. They go to all sorts of lengths to be seen in the right circles, attend the fanciest parties, and be associated with the 'right' people.

I'd recommend 'Big Blonde'. It's a very accessible story that gives a good taste of Parker's writing. It has relatable characters and a clear narrative that's easy to follow.

One of the best is 'The Man with a Load of Mischief'. In this story, Sayers uses her sharp wit and detailed descriptions. The mystery is full of twists and turns. Lord Peter Wimsey's detective skills are on full display as he uncovers the truth behind the strange goings - on. The period details and the unique personalities of the characters make it a great read.