When it opens, we meet a narrator whose wife is expecting a visit from an old friend, a blind man. Still, this story undeniably struck a chord with the reading public, and will likely remain relevant for some time.įirst published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1981, “Cathedral” is today known as one of Raymond Carver’s finest works. Lauded for its portrayal of Margot’s inner life and the fears many modern women face when it comes to dating, it also has its fair share of detractors - many are critical of the central character, some are downright outraged by the story’s success. As she gets to know more about this man (as well as filling in the gaps with her imagination), the power dynamic in their relationship starts to fluctuate. Arriving at the height of #MeToo, it begins with 20-year-old Margot embarking on the early stages of flirtation with an older man, Robert.
In the Social Media Age, no short story has gone viral the way this New Yorker contribution from Roupenian has. This story is a standout, but the entire collection is well worth a read for its insight, humor, and disregard for literary norms.
Through the use of an unusual POV, the author manages to turn her reader into a confidante - making it abundantly clear that the ‘you’ the narrator is speaking about is actually herself. Told in the second person point of view, this story from Moore’s debut anthology Self-Help takes an honest look at the inner life of a struggling artist. There’s not exactly a lot of plot to spoil in The Lottery - but within a few short pages, Jackson manages to represent the mob mentality that can drive reasonable people to commit heinous acts.ģ. However, it’s safe to say that Dahl serves up a fiendish twist on a platter.Ī perennial feature in many a high school syllabus, Shirley Jackson’s best-known short story clinically details an unusual ritual that takes place in a small town. In just a few short paragraphs describing how she welcomes her husband home, Dahl makes us sympathize with Mary - before a rash act turns her life upside down and takes the reader with her on a dark journey.įor those who haven’t read it, we won’t spoil the rest. We are introduced to Mary Maloney: a loving wife and dedicated homemaker.
While not exactly a philosophical or political tale like our first two examples, this twisty short story from Dahl does delve into some shady moral territory. From classics published in the 1900s to a short story that exploded in late 2017, here are ten of the greatest free short stories for you to read. These individual short stories are the best of the best - and the even better news is that they're available for free online for you to peruse. Discover the perfect short story for you.
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