The main theme of this story from Jane Bauer is how seemingly insignificant objects from one’s past can spark powerful (and in this case healing) memories. It also contrasts two families: one brought closer through tragedy and the need to work together to secure their future, the other torn apart by misunderstanding and bitterness and too stubborn to make the first move. In the latter case, a child’s book that brings a stony-faced old woman to tears and simple phone call are all it takes to restore relationships. Other themes: loss, memories, family connections, aging and loneliness, estrangement and reconciliation. More…
In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried
Given the subject matter (a woman having difficulty coming to grips with a friend’s terminal illness), one would expect this Amy Hempel story to be a maudlin tale. However, the author’s minimalist style, interspersed with quirky humor, lightens the mood considerably without losing emotional impact. The major theme of the story is fear of death. This leads to avoidance. The protagonist visits her friend only once during her months in hospital. The two evade serious conversation, speaking almost exclusively about trivia and, instead of staying the night as expected, the friend hastens away. Other themes: friendship, abandonment, guilt, grief. More…
The Stout Gentleman
The major theme of this humorous story by Washington Irving is the extent to which we rely on appearance to judge others. A traveller staying at an inn is forced to remain indoors on a miserable, rainy Sunday. With nothing to do and no one to talk to, he passes the time by speculating as to the profession and social status of the only other guest, a demanding, seemingly sophisticated man who remains in his room all day. We learn little more about the other man, who the staff refer to only as the stout gentleman. Other themes: curiosity, obsession, identity. More…
The Postmaster
For me, the major theme of this Rabindranath Tagore story is the insensitivity towards others under India’s caste system. An inexperienced postal officer from a big city is sent to work in a remote rural village. He lives a lonely, isolated life because class differences and immaturity make it difficult for him to integrate into the local community. His only companion is his housekeeper, a young orphaned girl. The two develop a strong bond, which leaves the devoted girl shattered with her callous treatment when he decides to leave. Other themes: natural beauty, alienation, loneliness, memories, family, companionship, guilt. More…
The Last Question
In commenting on this story, Isaac Asimov once wrote: This is by far my favorite story of all those I have written. After all, I undertook to tell several trillion years of human history in the space of a short story…. I also undertook another task, but I won’t tell you what that was lest I spoil the story for you. Although there is very little character development or action, the ending is so powerful that almost everyone who reads it remembers it. Themes include technological change, the search for knowledge, entropy and the fate of mankind, religion (omniscience, creation). More…