Featured Stories

The Werewolf

The Werewolf: Short story by Angela CarterAlthough the beginning of this Angela Carter “wolf tale” resembles the Charles Perrault children’s story Red Riding Hood things soon take a very different turn. A wolf loses a paw, grandma is missing a hand, and the villagers show their bravery by beating the old woman to death. Carter uses foreshadowing and omissions in the storyline to leave readers with a question: Was the grandmother really a witch/were-woman, or was the “good child” one of those northern country people with a cold heart mentioned in the opening sentence?. Themes include female empowerment, self-reliance, courage, betrayal?, superstition, mob violence.

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Yellow Fish

Yellow Fish: Short story by C. S. Lakshimi (aka Ambai)On the surface, this story by C. S. Lakshimi (aka Ambai) is about a grieving mother who arranges the rescue of a discarded fish dying on the shore because its struggles remind her of those of her premature baby Jalaja before she died. The story also reflects the cycle of life (the vibrant colors and frenetic activity associated with return of the fishing fleet), death (Jalaja’s passing and the yellow fish flapping on the sand) and rebirth (the fish’s return to the sea). Themes include loss, grief, insensitivity, maternalism, the cycle of life.

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That in Aleppo Once…

That in Aleppo Once...: Short story by Vladimir NabokovThe title of this Vladimir Nabokov story is an allusion to Shakespeare’s Othello. Several characters reflect those in the famous play, and it shares the same major theme (jealousy). The story is more than the tale of a deceitful, adulterous wife who may have only married the older narrator to escape the German occupation. The narrator’s heartbreak has caused him to question not only his wife’s existence, but also whether life is worth living. His letter is an attempt to unburden himself, and create some hope for the future. Other themes: escape, betrayal, deception, uncertainty, suicide (implied by the title).

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The Jolly Corner

The Jolly Corner: Short story by Henry JamesIn this unusual horror story from Henry James, a wealthy man stalks his empty, supposedly haunted family mansion looking for the ghost of the person he might have become. Having returned to America after thirty-three years living a selfish, frivolous life in Europe, the protagonist discovers a hidden talent for business and architecture. He wonders how life would have turned out if he had pursued these interests when younger, and decides that the only way to find out is to find and confront his ghostly alter ego. Themes: change, materialism, life choices and consequences, emptiness, commitment, the supernatural.

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A Jury of Her Peers

A Jury of Her Peers: Short story by Susan GlaspellThe three dominant themes of this story by Susan Glaspell are feminism (gender roles), deception and justice. Men investigating a farmer’s murder bring two of their wives to the scene of the crime (his farmhouse) to collect clothing, etc. for the suspect (the farmer’s wife) while in jail. Ironically, although the men mock the women’s ability to contribute to the investigation, the wives find evidence that would convict the suspect. They then face a moral dilemma. A jury of men would not understand the suspect’s suffering. Would justice be served by proving her guilt?

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Shiloh

Shiloh: Short story by Bobbie Ann MasonIn the same way that Shiloh Military Park is the site of a major turning point in the American Civil War, the couple in this story by Bobby Ann Mason face several turning points of their own. The first, always lingering in the background and never spoken of, is the death of their infant son. Later comes an accident that forces the truck-driver husband to give up his job, and an identity crisis that results in his wife seeking a new beginning in life. Themes: loss, guilt, avoidance, individual and community change, marriage, gender roles, self-discovery/fulfillment, independence.

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The Whisperer

The Whisperer: Short story by Vivien AlcockIn this children’s story by Vivien Alcock, a British girl visits a friend’s house for the first time. Sitting down to tea, she senses that she is being watched by someone hiding in the room. As she moves around the house, she hears strange whispering… “Let me in, please let me in.” She can’t see anyone, and later learns that the plea comes from a ghost that has been following the family for years. Thanks to the girl, the restless spirit is finally able to sleep. Themes include friendship, tolerance, compassion, forgiveness, the supernatural.

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Zebra

Zebra: Short story by Chaim PotokThe major theme of this inspirational story by Chaim Potok is healing. Zebra (aka Adam) is hit by a car while pursuing his passion for running. His physical injuries are slowly healing, but he is depressed over the prospect of never being able to run as well again. When John Wilson, a volunteer art teacher who lost an arm in Vietnam, comes into his life, Zebra learns that it is possible to live a full and meaningful life despite physical limitations. Wilson deals with his emotional pain through his art. Perhaps Zebra can as well! Other themes: loss, friendship, understanding.

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