This story by Ray Bradbury packs a lot of raw emotion, even though the “action” is limited to a single conversation that takes place over the course of no more than half an hour. A fourteen-year-old drummer boy who must march into battle with no gun or means of protecting himself is a bundle of nerves on the night before his first encounter with the enemy. An inspirational talk with his commanding general teaches him that his drum may be one of the most effective weapons in the army. Themes include isolation and loneliness, empathy, duty, fear, courage, death, honor. More…
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Flowering Judas
The major theme of this story by Katherine Porter is betrayal. Other themes include alienation, fear, corruption, despair and guilt. Laura, an idealistic American schoolteacher who traveled to Mexico to support the socialist revolution has a sense of impending doom. Trapped by the unwanted attentions of the corrupt, adulterous revolutionary Braggioni and with no love for the Mexican people, she feels lost and alone. Braggioni’s lifestyle is a betrayal of both his socialist ideals and marriage. In working for a socialist cause, Laura betrays her Catholic faith. Her sexual repression could also be seen as betrayal of her womanhood. More…
The Ransom of Red Chief
In this story by O. Henry, two bumbling swindlers kidnap a boy to raise money for their next scam. Unfortunately, they choose the wrong victim. Not only is the boy hyperactive and uncontrollable but, poorly treated at home, he enjoys camping out with them so much that he doesn’t want to return. Through various persona (including the warrior Red Chief), he drives the men to distraction … so much so that when his father refuses to pay their ransom, they pay him to take the boy back. Themes include crime, parental neglect, misjudgement, imagination and make-believe, violence, poetic justice. More…
A Crush
Although this story from Cynthia Rylant touches on romantic feelings, it is more about how an act of friendship helps a socially challenged young man develop the courage to face the world. Jack, a group home carer, takes a special interest in one of its residents (Ernie). Thanks to Jack, Ernie finds peace and purpose growing flowers. As they grow, so does Ernie’s self-confidence. When Ernie decides to anonymously share his flowers with a woman he is attracted to, he unknowingly creates positive change in the lives of two people he doesn’t even know. Themes: isolation, beauty, friendship, love, sharing. More…
Patriotism
This gut-wrenching tale from Yukio Mishima deals with traditional Japanese perceptions of duty, honor, love and ritual suicide. Regarded as one of the most powerful stories of the twentieth century, it is beautifully (almost lovingly) written and does not spare the easily offended or queasy reader. The lovemaking scenes are tastefully erotic, and the description of Lieutenant Shinji’s seppuku (harakiri) is gruesome in its detail. A major theme is loyalty: to one’s country (Emperor), friends, family honor, and spouse. Another is beauty: of youth, of love, of life and (perhaps difficult for many Westerners to understand) of an honorable death. More…