Featured Stories

Emergency

Emergency: Short story by Denis JohnsonOur objective is to include stories from as wide a range of well-known authors as possible. Occasionally this entails featuring a story that some may find frivolous or offensive, but others rave about. So it is with this humorous drugs-fiction tale from Denis Johnson. Two friends, a hospital clerk and orderly, stumble through their shift (and manage to save an emergency patient’s eyesight!) while high on stolen medication. They then embark on a drug-addled drive involving a carnival, famous guru, dead rabbits, mistaken military graveyard, and AWOL soldier. Themes: death, despair, escapism, drug abuse, responsibility, and illusion vs. reality.

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In the Zoo

In the Zoo: Novelette by Jean StaffordIn this story by Jean Stafford, a sorry-looking blind polar bear in a Denver zoo reminds adult sisters of a gentle alcoholic ne’er-do-well who befriended them during their traumatic childhood. As eight and ten year-old orphans, the two were fostered out to “Gran”, a possessive, unloving, scornful woman who runs a boarding house. Academically backward and teased at school, they find comfort in their friendship with a kindly Irishman and a puppy he gives them. That is until Gran converts the loveable pup into a ferocious attack dog. Themes include arranged psychological trauma, isolation, confinement and control, companionship and love.

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Thirst

Thirst: Short story by Ivo AndrićThe major theme of this story by Ivo Andrić is man’s inhumanity to man. Set in a remote Bosnian village shortly after Austrian annexation, gendarmes capture a rebel leader with a festering chest wound. He is thrown in a cell without treatment and denied water until he names his co-conspirators. As the gendarme commander sleeps soundly, his young wife listens to the man’s screams and pleas for water throughout the night. When she finally falls asleep, her husband wakes and forces himself on her. Other themes include justice, duty, betrayal, brutality, isolation and loneliness, despair, sexuality.

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The Five-Forty-Eight

The Five-Forty-Eight: Short story by John CheeverThis story by John Cheever puts into perspective the plight of women in the workplace before the terms sexual harassment and unfair dismissal were coined. A disdainful, misogynistic businessman takes advantage of the attentions and weakness of a new secretary, then immediately has her fired. Six months later the woman, who appears mentally unstable, confronts him with a gun and avenges herself by humiliating the vile man. Sadly, although the woman’s actions may have helped her in regaining her self-respect, they seem to have little effect on the man. Themes include alienation/isolation, family, power, narcissism, misogyny, sexuality, revenge, mental illness.

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Zlateh the Goat

Zlateh the Goat: Short story by Isaac Bashevis SingerIt is easy to see why this story from Isaac Singer is said to be derived from Jewish folklore. Zlateh, an anthropomorphic goat, is about to meet the fate of many farm animals. No longer producing enough milk to justify her keep, she faces a final trip to the town butcher. Fortunately, a freak snowstorm interrupts the journey and gives her a chance to redeem herself. Themes: (general) love and loyalty, obedience, trust, resourcefulness, inter-dependence, survival; (religious) sacrifice, faith, acceptance: We must accept all that God gives us—heat, cold, hunger, satisfaction, light, and darkness.

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The Three Hermits

The Three Hermits: Short story by Leo TolstoyIn this story by Leo Tolstoy, a bishop of the Roman Orthodox Church schools three devout hermits seeking salvation by living alone on a deserted island in reciting the Lord’s Prayer. He claims that although that their own prayer ‘Three are ye, three are we, have mercy upon us.’ encompasses the essence of Christianity, it is insufficient to please God. The bishop is humbled and admits his mistake when they miraculously follow him by gliding across the sea, having forgotten the words. Themes include humility and devotion, religious dogma vs. faith, the nature of prayer.

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Roselily

Roselily: Short story by Alice WalkerIn this story by Alice Walker, a woman daydreams through her wedding ceremony about how her life is about to change. She is not sure if she is in love with the man, and is marrying him primarily for the sake of her young children from previous relationships. Although both are African-American, their future faces significant challenges. She is from the rural South, he is from Chicago; she is Christian, he is Muslim. She reconciles herself to a life of ropes, chains and handcuffs away from family and friends. Themes include alienation, loneliness, motherhood, compatibility, religion, change and hope.

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The Diamond Mine

The Diamond Mine: Short story by Willa CatherThe Diamond Mine in this story by Willa Cather is an internationally renowned opera singer. The story highlights the emotional pressure associated with pursuing art for fame and fortune, rather than for art’s sake alone. The diva derives pleasure from “giving” to her husbands and extended family, most of whom ruthlessly exploit the poor woman. Although happy to bask in her fame, her vitality and success inspires envy and hatred among them. Their indolence and greed leaves her mined out, both financially and emotionally. Themes: the artist as a celebrity, vitality, envy, greed, exploitation, betrayal.

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