In this psychological horror story by A. E. Coppard, an idealistic man who has withdrawn from society due to constant rebuff sits alone in a mouse-infested garret. As he watches the antics of a mouse in front of his fireplace, his mind wanders to the death of his mother and loss of the only woman he ever loved. When he comes back to reality, the mouse is sitting before a trap with its forepaws torn off. Association of this with his mother’s grisly death sends him to the brink of madness. Themes include mother-child relationships, loss, depression, despair, shame, insanity. More…
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Supper
The major themes of this story by Lesléa Newman are sexuality and alienation. Protagonist Jocelyn’s annoying grandmother spoils supper by complaining about her vegetarian diet and trying to force her to eat some meat. Later, the grandmother makes a cruel comment about her being too skinny to attract boys. Jocelyn blushes because she thinks there might be something wrong with her. She “doesn’t like” boys, but found a kissing and petting ‘practice session’ with her best friend (who demonstrated what her experienced boyfriend does) sexually stimulating. Sadly, the poor girl doesn’t appear to have anyone to talk to about it. More…
The Censors
Luisa Valenzuela’s The Censors is set in Argentina during the mid-1970’s, a time of political unrest where all communications were screened and censored for anti-government content. The protagonist (Juan) is worried that something he may have innocently written in a letter to a friend could be interpreted the wrong way. He decides to get a job at the censorship office and try to intercept the letter. In an ironic twist, Juan is so good at the job that he is promoted to a top position. Unfortunately, Juan’s effectiveness and dedication to the work leads to his downfall. More…
The Three-Century Woman
In this humorous story by Richard Peck, a fourteen-year-old girl accompanies her mother and aunt to visit her great-grandmother on her 102nd birthday. Because of the great-grandmother’s “three-century” status (born in 1899, living through the 1900s, and still alive in 2001), her room in the usually quiet nursing home is surrounded by press. Anticipating this, the normally sleepy, forgetful old woman is not only propped up in bed dressed for an interview, but has prepared an elaborate prank to play on them. Themes include playfulness, taking the aged for granted (the aged are more than their memories!), change. More…
The Door in the Wall
The major theme of this psychological fantasy by H. G. Wells is the conflict between reality (logic) and imagination. A precocious five-year old from a loveless household is permitted to walk the streets of London alone. One day he is drawn to a door that opens to an enchanted garden where he is greeted by tame animals and a beautiful, loving woman and plays with friendly children. Despite achieving great success in life, he becomes obsessed with re-visiting the garden. Other themes: childhood neglect, alienation and loneliness, escape, regret, obsession, success vs. happiness. More…