Are you feeling down and need a pick-me-up? Look no further than these five best short stories of all time!
From classic tales to modern masterpieces, these stories will transport you to another world and fill you with joy, laughter, and inspiration. Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of love or a thought-provoking story of courage, these stories will definitely lift your spirits. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and enjoy these five timeless short stories!
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“the gift of the magi” by o. henry
:What do you do when you’re in desperate need of a pick-me-up? The answer is simple – turn to classic literature.
While the classics often seem daunting and old-fashioned at first glance, they actually contain timeless teachings and drama that never cease to amaze. Look no further than “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry to see what I mean.
One of the most celebrated and admired short stories of all time, “The Gift of the Magi” tells the story of a love between a struggling young couple that surpasses all boundaries of money and class. It conveys to us how, even in difficult times, two individuals can come together and express their undying love for one another. Set during the turn of the 20th century, “The Gift of the Magi” follows Jim and Della, two young newlyweds struggling to make ends meet.
Della does her best to purchase her husband a Christmas gift, but all she has to give is her prized possession—her beautiful hair. Meanwhile, Jim similarly sacrifices his own treasured heirloom to buy Della a gift.
When the couple’s gifts are ultimately revealed, they each come to an understanding that the material possessions are not important when compared to their devotion and affections for one another. The themes of sacrifice, love, and hope that are woven throughout “The Gift of the Magi” are inspiring and relevant even today.
As a reader you can’t help but be moved as you experience the love story between Jim and Della, proving that true love is timeless and doesn’t need to be measured with money or material possessions. Still in need of a pick-me-up? Look no further than “The Gift of the Magi”.
This classic story has stood the test of time and inspired generations, and is the perfect way to remind yourself that the little things in life are what matter the most.
“the necklace” by guy de maupassant
As a teacher, discussing Guy de Maupassant’s short story “The Necklace” is a great way to have a meaningful conversation about the need for contentment. Through the lens of this classic story, students can explore the idea of envy and longing contrasted with a grateful appreciation for the gifts and privileges we all have in life.
This is why “The Necklace” is one of the five best short stories of all time ideal for a pick-me-up. Maupassant focuses on the protagonist, Mathilde Loisel, an impoverished middle-class woman hungry for a higher social standing. She is married to a middle-class clerk and goes to a fancy ball held by her glamorous friend.
It is here when we learn her longing for the possessions and lifestyle of the upper echelon of society. At the ball she encounters the woman dressed in diamonds and jewels, a woman her husband could not afford to gratify her desire for luxury.
However, through ‘The Necklace” we learn Mathilde’s true lesson. To pay for the necklace she borrowed, she and her husband must endure years of hard labor. Mathilde toils away and when she finally repays the debt, she discovers the jewels were nothing more than worthless glass beads.
The use of irony and tragedy enables Maupassant to explore the idea of contentment and joy without having to rely on material evidence. “The Necklace” is a great way to teach students to be content with their own circumstances. It’s a universal theme that’s timeless which is why it continues to be one of the five best short stories to read when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
“the lady with the pet dog” by anton chekhov
. The “The Lady with the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov is one of literature’s greatest classics.
Written in 1899, it has since become one of the most influential works of all time. This classic story has been loved and appreciated by readers around the world, and it still stands out as one of the most popular and beloved stories ever written. Set in 19th century Russia, the story centers on a love affair between a married man, Dmitry Gurov, and an unhappily married woman, Anna Sergeyevna.
The two fall in love although it seems as if their love affair is destined to fail due to their respective lives and social conditions. The story focuses heavily on the internal struggle that each of them must go through in order to find true happiness and love.
The story is a testament to how love can defy class, social status, and even the moral and ethical conventions of a given society. Chekhov’s brilliant use of foreshadowing and character development allows the reader to peek into the inner struggles of each of the main characters, while also illustrating how the power of love can triumph over anything in life. With its rich literary stands, compelling characters, and rewarding resolution, “The Lady with the Pet Dog” is simply one of the greatest works of all time, and a must read for anyone looking for a pick-me-up.
“the lottery” by shirley jackson
“The Lottery by Shirley Jackson” is one of the most renowned and talked-about short stories of all time. It is a unique work of fiction that offers a unique perspective on tradition, culture, and the dynamics of societal norms.
Written with a thrilling, open-ended ending, this masterpiece is a must-read for the avid reader seeking a pick-me-up. The story focuses on a small village that carries out a yearly lottery to determine which family will become martyrs for their own values and beliefs. This lottery is a tradition that villagers take seriously, yet they do not understand the implications of what they are participating in.
As the story progresses, the reader finds themselves hooked, wanting more, and increasingly aware of the fate of the chosen family. The end of the story offers no resolution, leaving the readers to ponder the powerful themes Shirley Jackson conveys within the story. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a classic short story that touches on themes of tradition, obedience, and choice.
It offers readers a unique perspective on how certain beliefs and norms can be destructive, yet not fully appreciated or understood by the participants. It is a stimulating, thrilling and terrifying read, one that will leave the reader questioning their own perspective and the world around them.
It is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a stimulating pick-me-up.
“a very old man with enormous wings” by gabriel garcía márquez
The title of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s short story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” can be seen as a metaphor representing the fragility and vulnerability of life. It is a classic tale of hope and faith that provides a much needed pick-me-up when life gets overwhelming.
This timeless masterpiece by the renowned Latin American author tells the story of an old man with wings who one day appears in a village in Colombia. The villagers are shocked and scared by his sudden appearance, but despite initial fear and confusion, they eventually come to accept the old man. In the end, the story paints a picture of the strength of human resilience in the face of uncertainty and difficulty.
On one level, the story can be seen as a celebration of the power of kindness, as the old man is eventually welcomed and taken care of by the villagers. On an even deeper level, it is an exploration of the importance of finding meaning in life and appreciating the beauty of the natural world, even when grappling with difficult circumstances. “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” can offer readers a much needed reprieve from the daily worries and anxieties of life.
It serves as a reminder to stay positive and look for the silver lining in any situation. One of the best short stories of all time, it is a bright and uplifting tale that will truly make your day.
Bottom Line
This article looks at five of the best short stories of all time. From the classic “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry to the modern classic “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, these stories are sure to provide a quick pick-me-up.
Each one is unique and captivating, offering readers a glimpse into different worlds and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale or a thought-provoking story, these five short stories are sure to provide a much-needed break from the everyday.
FAQ
What are the most popular short stories of all time?
Some of the most popular short stories of all time include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, and “A&P” by John Updike.
What are some of the best short stories to read when feeling down?
Some of the best short stories to read when feeling down include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Lady with the Dog” by Anton Chekhov, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, and “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin.
What are the best short stories to read for inspiration?
Some of the best short stories to read for inspiration include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “A&P” by John Updike, and “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe.
What are the best short stories to read for a quick pick-me-up?
Some of the best short stories to read for a quick pick-me-up include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Lady with the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov, and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell.
What are the most uplifting short stories to read?
Some of the most uplifting short stories to read include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant, “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, and “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen.
What are the most heartwarming short stories to read?
Some of the most heartwarming short stories to read include “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen, and “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde.
