Although published well before the atomic age, this story from Stephen Benét provides a remarkable description of a post-apocalyptic world devastated by weapons of mass destruction. Survivors lead a primitive existence. Modern religious beliefs have been replaced by reverence for the “gods” who built (and whose spirits still live in) destroyed buildings. Pointedly, elitism, prejudice and warfare still exist. Priests maintain their status by keeping healing and other knowledge to themselves, and there is constant fighting between the protagonist’s Hill People and the supposedly “ignorant” Forest People. Themes: superstition, destiny, search for knowledge, class, prejudice, warfare, danger of modern weaponry. More…
All posts by shortsonline
The Man with the Light
In this story by José Eduardo Agualusa, an itinerant Russian has been traveling remote areas of Angola for over forty years, entertaining villagers with a pedal-powered projector and old films. During one of the country’s many civil wars, his Russian heritage brings him to the attention of authorities. From a hiding place, he watches in horror as the soldiers sent to find him savagely beat and rape innocent bystanders. He talks his way out of arrest, but loses his treasured projector. In desperation, he turns to “James Dean” for help. Themes include aging, brutality, fear, abuse of power, despair. More…
The Star
In Arthur C. Clarke’s The Star, a manned spaceship travels to the edge of the galaxy to explore a nebula (cloud of interstellar gas) surrounding a collapsed star. Within the nebula is a burnt out planet that miraculously survived the explosion. On the planet is a huge stone marker left by a highly advanced civilization that did not survive. Under the marker, buried deep inside the planet, is a vault containing the civilization’s secrets. Among these is a disturbing discovery that challenges our traditional concepts of God. Themes: religious faith, science vs. religion, humankind as the center of the universe. More…
Oliver’s Evolution
In this story by John Updike, a troublesome toddler who had come late in his parents’ little pack of offspring is loved, but not enough to prevent his near death. Later, as a child, he is still loved, but not enough to detect a “sleepy” eye in time to fix it. After his parents divorce, there is even less love for the troubled teen who gets bad grades, abandons jobs and misses opportunities. Fortunately, after marrying an equally troubled girl, he transforms into a responsible, loving husband and father. Themes include parent-child relationships, neglect, responsibility, personal growth. More…
The Gift of the Magi
Have you ever thought long and hard about what would be the prefect Christmas gift for someone you love? This story by O. Henry is one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time. It tells how a poor couple each sell their most valuable possession in order to buy a Christmas present that they feel is good enough for the one they love. The irony is that neither can use the precious gift the other has bought them. Themes (see analysis) include love, sacrifice, wisdom, beauty, generosity, and value. More…