These short stories about good vs evil show these forces in conflict, either within a single person or between two or more people or entities. See also:
Short Stories About Good vs Evil
“Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Goodman Brown has to go on a journey through the forest one night on an errand. The walk is unsettling, and he meets others from his town on the way.
This is the seventh story in the preview of 100 Great Short Stories.
“The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson
Miss Strangeworth, an elderly woman, lives on Pleasant Street in a house her grandfather built. She is known for the beautiful roses she grows. She’s on friendly terms with many people in town, and she observes what is happening.
This is the first story in the preview of Dark Tales.
“The Portable Phonograph” by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
The earth is battle-scarred and the buildings are gone. Four men are gathered in a cave enjoying a fire. The host managed to save a few books and a phonograph. He agrees to take it out and play a song. (Summary)
“One Ordinary Day, with Peanuts” by Shirley Jackson
Mr. Johnson leaves his home on a bright morning feeling everything is wonderful. He walks around the city handing out candy, peanuts, helping people wherever he can and just generally spreading good cheer.
“William Wilson” by Edgar Allan Poe
William Wilson relates how he suddenly turned evil. He describes the large house where he went to school, and its strict principal, a pastor. There is another student just like William—he has the same name, build, and style of clothing.
“The Minister’s Black Veil: A Parable” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Reverend of a small church turns up one day for the service with a black veil covering his face. His parishioners are confused and uncomfortable with the change. There is much speculation about the reason for the veil, and they hope it’s just a passing fancy.
Read “The Minister’s Black Veil”
“The Storyteller” by Saki
Three young children are riding the train with their aunt. They are active and inquisitive; their aunt has trouble keeping them occupied. She tries telling a story, but the kids don’t care for it. A bachelor riding in the same carriage thinks he can entertain the kids with a story.
“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston
Delia supports her abusive, cheating husband by washing clothes. He comes up with a plan to get rid of her, to take up with his mistress.
“Markheim” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Markheim goes to a shop under the guise of looking for a present for someone. He really has murder on his mind, so he can then steal the dealer’s money and goods.
I’ll keep adding short stories about good versus evil as I find more.
