Interesting Short Stories That Could Change the Way You Think
Short stories are one of the best literary art forms for transforming how people think about life. With language evoking strong emotions, vivid imagery, and way of speaking directly to our hearts, short stories can inspire thought and perspective shifts. Here is a selection of interesting short stories that could change the way you think.
The Voyage of the Ourang Medan
One of the most captivating and unusual short stories is that of the ‘The Voyage of the Ourang Medan.’ In this creepy tale, a mysterious Dutch merchant ship is found drifting off the coast of Indonesia with no survivors on-board. While the truth about what happened to the crew on the Ourang Medan remains unknown, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the tantalizing mysteries that remain in the depths of the ocean.
The Gift of the Magi
Another fascinating short story that could wrap your head around is that of ‘The Gift of the Magi.’ Written by the celebrated author O. Henry, ‘The Gift of the Magi’ is about a young couple who, despite their poverty, still exchange tokens of their love. While the story is popular for its heartwarming message, it can also stand as a reminder of the importance of true love, even when finances may not seem to be on our side.
The Kiss
‘The Kiss,’ a classic love story by Anton Chekhov, is also a classic that could make us rethink life’s priorities. In this moving tale, a man and woman meet each other and share a deep love — they both regard the moment they first kissed as being the highlight of their respective lives. While the story emphasizes the importance of fleeting moments of happiness, it can also carry an important message about recognizing beauty in the small favor, no matter how fleeting it may be.
The Necklace
Guy de Maupassant’s 1884 short story ‘The Necklace’ is a brilliant tale of good intentions gone wrong. In this story, a middle-class woman borrows an expensive necklace, only to find out that it was a fake, causing her and her husband to exhaust their resources for its repayment. Through its tragic characters, ‘The Necklace’ serves as an important reminder of the power of greed and the struggle of trying to ‘keep up’ with our peers.
The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin’s ‘The Story of an Hour’ is another flimsy yet powerful story that will make you think twice about life. In this story, a woman gets the news that her husband has died in an accident and, her feelings mixed between grief and joy, she realizes that she is now free. Through this story, we can be reminded of the importance of seizing moments of joy, no matter how brief they may be in the face of suffering.
The White Feather
Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The White Feather’ is a short story carrying a powerful message about defying societal expectations. Set during WWI in a small British village, the story tells of a young man who is being ostracized for not joining the war effort, until he reveals a secret that could only change the way people think about bravery and honor. Through this story, staying true to one’s convictions can be seen as courageous and brave.
These are just a few of the many short stories that could make us think differently about life. Through the characters’ stories and journeys, short stories can often revolutionize our understanding of life, its primary emotions and the many extraordinary events and circumstances that can occur. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful and transformative read or simply want to appreciate great writing, reading some of these amazing stories can definitely be a great way to broaden your horizons.
