The Chrysanthemums

The Chrysanthemums: Short story by John SteinbeckIn this seemingly straightforward story by John Steinbeck, chrysanthemum-growing Elisa’s character can be interpreted in several, often contradictory, ways. Is she “strong and happy” as her husband says, or weak and disillusioned with her life? Does she crave companionship, intimacy and perhaps a child, or freedom? Is her fascination with chrysanthemums because of a special connection with nature, or because they represent the only joy in her life? Whatever the answers, after a smooth-talking tinker raises her self-esteem and then shatters it, Elisa’s tears signify her realization that nothing will change. Themes: isolation, loneliness, aesthetics, lack of fulfillment, betrayal.

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A Job for Valentin

A Job for Valentin: Short story by Judith Ortiz CoferThis coming-of-age story from Judith Ortiz Cofer describes the interaction between a teenage girl working a summer job in a swimming pool kiosk and Valentin, her thirty-year-old mentally challenged male assistant. Valentin is nervous and clumsy, creating chaos whenever he tries to help. Fortunately, his rubber-band “art” animals keep him occupied. She would rather work alone and have more time to flirt with the muscular young lifeguard and talk with friends. Things change when the lifeguard “goes missing” and the girl and Valentin rescue a small child who nearly drowns. Themes: inclusion, patience, acceptance, friendship, courage, responsibility.

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Big Brother / Bade Bhai Sahab

Big Brother / Bade Bhai Sahab: Short story by PremchandThis story by Premchand contrasts two Indian bothers attending boarding school. The older (by five years) is studious, disciplined, serious about his responsibility to look after and guide his younger brother, and consistently fails his grade. The younger brother is the opposite: fun-loving, undisciplined, irresponsible, and consistently tops his class. The major messages of the story are the danger of arrogant pride, and that irrespective of one’s level of education, there is always something to learn from those with more life experience. Themes include education, self-discipline, responsibility, pride, work/life balance, respect for one’s elders.

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Diary of a Madman

Diary of a Madman: Short story by Guy de MaupassantAlthough not one of Guy de Maupassant’s best known works, this is still a fascinating read. The madman (and in this case thrill killer) is a highly respected magistrate who sentences an innocent man to death for one of his own gruesome murders. Later, he gets an additional thrill from witnessing the poor man’s execution. The motif here is that even seemingly incorruptible members of society can descend into madness and commit the most heinous of crimes. Themes: madness, false impressions, society’s fascination with killing (especially as part of war), the undiscovered madmen among us.

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The Barber’s Trade Union

The Barber's Trade Union: Short story by Mulk Raj AnandThe major theme of this inspirational story by Mulk Raj Anand is class as reflected in the Indian caste system. When a young barber tries to improve his appearance by dressing more professionally, he is verbally abused and humiliated by village elders for acting above his “lowly” position in life. Rather than becoming disillusioned and giving in to their ingrained bigotry, he changes the way he works, makes more money than ever before, and ingeniously turns the tables on his detractors. Other themes: human dignity, alienation, appearance, determination, ingenuity, organized labor.

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Roman Fever

Roman Fever: Short story by Edith WhartonThe major themes of this Edith Wharton story are friendship, rivalry, jealousy, deception and passion. A notable feature is the gradual build-up of animosity between the main characters. Two American widows, lifelong friends, meet up in Rome. The pair have been measuring themselves against each other for most of their lives. The comparisons extend to their daughters, one of whom is more outgoing and vivacious than the other. In an effort to hurt the mother of this girl, the other reveals a cruel secret from the past. In the shattering conclusion, an even crueler secret is thrown back at her.

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The Middleman

The Middleman: Short story by Bharati MukherjeeThe most succinct summary of this Bharati Mukherjee story I’ve seen came from a Goodreads review: An Iraqi Jew unwittingly aids a Central American revolution. There is obviously a lot more to it, including lust, arms smuggling, treachery and murder. Moreover, rather than being a revolutionary hero, the protagonist is an unscrupulous American criminal on the run from the law. Although he calls himself a “middleman”, we don’t see him act as such. Being new to the country, he is hoping to make a living from things that fall. And something certainly does! Themes: lust, corruption, exploitation, betrayal, violence.

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The Fall of Edward Barnard

The Fall of Edward Barnard: Short story by W. Somerset MaughamAlthough ostensibly themed around a clash of cultures (East vs. West), this story from W. Somerset Maugham is also about alternative lifestyles (materialistic vs. minimalist). Through extensive use of irony, the story contrasts the lust for money, power and status of American industrialists and socialites with the Tahitian way of living in harmony with nature. In presenting the contrast, the story implies that although the environment a person grows up in shapes their values and beliefs, a change of surroundings can drastically alter them. Other themes: friendship, loyalty, romance, pride, racism.

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