This fable-like story by Oscar Wilde begins with a baby seemingly falling from the sky. His life-story unfolds through themes of poverty, social class, narcissism, cruelty, karma, loss, repentance and redemption. Finally, as lord of a great city, he rules with justice and mercy to all. In the last paragraph, the story takes an unexpected and some say disappointing turn. He dies three years later, and his successor rules evilly. Interpretations of this depressing denouement include the futility of one man trying to change the way of the world, and the benefits of democracy over autocratic rule. More…
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The Cop and the Anthem
Written in 1904, the major theme of this story by O. Henry (the plight of the homeless) is perhaps even more relevant today. A homeless man who lives on the streets in the warmer months tries in vain to commit a petty crime so he can spend the winter in prison. After trying every trick he knows to get arrested, he stops outside a church. The ambience and stirring music being played bring about an epiphany, thoughts of reform … and jail. Other themes include social class, crime and punishment, resilience, poverty mindset vs. ambition and hope. More…
Sunbird
Once you get used to the preposterous names and characters, this Neil Gaiman story is a fascinating read. The five members of an exclusive club dedicated to tasting exotic food travel to Suntown in Cairo to capture and eat a rare Sunbird. They kill and cook the bird (which turns out to be a phoenix), and thoroughly enjoy the meal. Unfortunately, for all but one of them, it is their last. Themes include gluttony, exploitation (of vulnerable species), deception, the danger of seeking pleasure from the unknown, transformation and the enduring cycle of life, the supernatural. More…
Mechanopolis
In this story by Miguel De Unamuno a man dying of thirst in a desert is saved when he stumbles upon an oasis in which there is a mysterious train station. He boards a seemingly empty, waiting train and is whisked off to a magnificent, deserted, fully functioning city of the future. The city’s machines and infrastructure continue to operate with no apparent human involvement. His curiosity turns to horror when he realizes the machines are sentient and concerned about his psychological and emotional state. Themes include human extinction, the ascendency of sentient machines, loneliness, paranoia, mental instability. More…
Soldier’s Home
This story by Ernest Hemingway about an American soldier’s difficulty “fitting in” after returning from World War 1 is a wonderful example of the author’s Iceberg Theory, with much of the protagonist’s background hidden from readers. Upon return, the soldier finds himself alienated from his culture, community, friends, and family. He falls into depression and lethargy, obsessed with watching local girls go by, but avoiding contact with them. This may be due to an earlier failed relationship, or his distaste for his pious, controlling mother. Themes include PTSD, alienation, cultural and social change, fear of involvement and commitment. More…