What makes the best John O'Hara short stories so good?

Sure. 'Appointment in Samarra' is a great one. It's a story that really delves into themes of fate and the inescapable nature of certain events. Another good one is 'The Doctor's Son' which gives a great insight into family dynamics and the character of a young man growing up in a particular social environment.

Many of his main characters are people facing some sort of personal crisis. It could be a moral dilemma, like an affair in a seemingly stable marriage. Or it could be a career - related crisis, where a character has to choose between ambition and integrity. These characters' inner turmoil drives the plot forward and makes his short stories engaging.

One notable feature is his vivid character descriptions. He has a way of bringing his characters to life in a short span. For example, in many of his stories, the characters' social status and the resulting insecurities are clearly depicted. Another feature is his exploration of the American middle - class life of his time. He delves into their hopes, dreams, and the often - hidden disappointments.

Well, John O'Hara's short stories are known for their realistic portrayal of life. He doesn't shy away from showing the less glamorous sides of human nature. His use of setting is also important. For example, he often uses small - town or urban settings to reflect the values and constraints of the characters. The stories can be quite poignant, exploring themes like love, loss, and the search for identity within the context of the social environment.

One notable aspect of 'The New York Stories' by John O'Hara is his exploration of human relationships. The stories show how people interact in a bustling city like New York. There are love stories, friendships, and rivalries. For example, some stories might focus on a young couple trying to make it in the city, facing the challenges of different social backgrounds. O'Hara's ability to create relatable characters within the New York setting is what makes these stories so appealing.

John O'Hara's life experiences were integral to his short - story writing. Growing up, he saw the disparities in wealth and status, and these became recurring themes in his short stories. His career experiences, the people he met in different professional settings, all contributed to the richness of his character creation. His own emotional journey, including his joys and sorrows, was translated into the emotional depth of his short - story characters. In his stories, we can see his view of the world shaped by his life, whether it's his perception of love, friendship, or the struggle for a better life.

The characters. O'Connor creates really unique and complex characters that draw you in. For example, in 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', the grandmother is not a simple, one - dimensional character. She has her flaws, her vanities, and yet she is also very human, which makes the story engaging.

One major theme is social class. O'Hara shows how different classes interact and the barriers between them in New York. Another theme is love and loss. There are stories about failed relationships and the pain that comes with it. Also, the theme of ambition is present, as characters strive to achieve their goals in the competitive New York environment.

One notable feature could be the vivid portrayal of New York life. O'Hara might have captured the essence of the city, its people, and their various social strata.

The main themes are likely to include the hustle and bustle of city living. New York is a fast - paced place, and O'Hara might explore how this affects the characters. Also, themes of love and loss could be present. People in the city fall in and out of love, and the stories could show how they deal with heartbreak or newfound love among the chaos of the city.