This story from Tim Winton includes themes of alcohol abuse, domestic violence, child neglect, shame, friendship and faith. A mother of two whose hard-drinking husband is increasingly violent towards her becomes close friends with a “Ken-and-Barbie” like new couple in town. When the couple share a story of how religious faith helped turn their lives around, she rejects the notion as not for her. Later, the impulsive purchase of a novelty “snow dome” featuring a hunky-looking Jesus walking on water not only provides amusement, but also becomes the catalyst for an epiphany as she endures a brutal marital rape.
The Cop and the Anthem
Written in 1904, the major theme of this story by O. Henry (the plight of the homeless) is perhaps even more relevant today. A homeless man who lives on the streets in the warmer months tries in vain to commit a petty crime so he can spend the winter in prison. After trying every trick he knows to get arrested, he stops outside a church. The ambience and stirring music being played bring about an epiphany, thoughts of reform … and jail. Other themes include social class, crime and punishment, resilience, poverty mindset vs. ambition and hope. More…
Solipsist
Wikipedia defines solipsism as the idea that only one’s (your own) mind is sure to exist. This story by Fredric Brown takes an irreverent view of the universe and the place of one solipsist in it. Walter B. Jehovah has had a bad week. He decides to end it all… not just his life, but everything. After some initial success, he finds that the only way for him to cease to exist is to create a new universe and float around alone for millions of years until another suicidal solipsist emerges to replace him. Themes include perspective, existence, creation. More…
End of the Game
This Julio Cortázar story involves two “games”. One is the daily Statues role-play three adolescent girls perform to entertain passengers on a passing train. The second is also a game of pretend… ignoring the effect a debilitating disability will have on one of their lives. For the disabled girl (Letitia), Statues is the only physical activity in which she can match the others. They in turn are resentful of Letitia’s special treatment at home. When a boy on the train takes a special interest in Letitia, both games end. Themes: fantasy vs. reality, envy, guilt, confronting disability, coming of age. More…
A Child’s Dream of a Star
A major theme of this heart-warming 19th Century children’s story from Charles Dickens is what comes after death. Although children today are more likely to have been exposed to the concept of the hereafter than their 1871 counterparts, the story is still used as a reading text in many grade schools. In addition to being a beautifully written piece of prose, it contains several other important themes. These include: 1) the wonder and interdependence of the natural world; 2) brother & sisterly love and devotion; 3) the importance of family; and 4) how life can sometimes seem unfair. More…