What Means Switch

What Means Switch: Short story by Gish JenIn this coming of age story by Gish Jen, a thirteen-year-old Chinese-American girl is caught between a cultural chasm and her wish to reach “first base” with a new boy at school. Her friends exchange boyfriend stories, and she badly wants one to share. Unfortunately the boy, who is visiting from Japan, resists intimate contact. They ultimately develop strong feelings for one another, but things fall apart when she tries too hard for the kiss. In breaking away, he adds new meaning to the expression to “flip” someone. Themes: cultural identity, desire to “fit in”, infatuation/puppy love, self-discipline.

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The Verb to Kill

The Verb to Kill: Short story by Luisa ValenzuelaIn this story by Luisa Valenzuela, a pubescent girl in an isolated seaside community spends a lot of time fantasizing with her sister over the imaginary depraved, murderous activities of a seemingly harmless recluse living nearby. The additional conjugations of “to kill” at the end of the story suggest the girls may have taken matters into their own hands. A major theme is the danger of judging someone based on their looks or eccentric behaviour. Other themes include gender inequality and violence in society, imagination, egocentrism, paranoia, dehumanization (of both the man and their “friend” Pocha), superstition.

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The Aged Mother

The Aged Mother - Japanese Folktale from Matsuo BashoThis very short folktale has a very big message. First recorded by Matsuo Bashō in the late 15th century, its moral (respect for the knowledge and wisdom of the aged) is just as relevant today as it was then. Unfortunately, the governor’s reasoning doesn’t go far enough. His ruling suggests that the only reason society should care for the aged is that it has something to gain from them. This ignores any contribution that older people have already made. The farmer had the right idea by showing gratitude (and risking his life) for his mother’s life-long love and care.

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The Wedding Reception

The Wedding Reception: Short story by Nyi Pu LayMajor themes of this story by Nyi Pu Lay are tradition (realistically portraying aspects of a working-class Mandalay wedding), and caring and respect for the aged at both a family and community level. The groom’s father is seriously ill and his son, his new wife, and others (including the grumpy owner of the only TV in the neighborhood) go to great lengths to ensure that he has an enjoyable day. Other themes include family, friendship, community, and the wonder of adults and children alike experiencing “modern” technology for the first time (in this case a car ride and watching TV).

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Last Evenings on Earth

Last Evenings on Earth: Short story by Roberto BolanoIn this thought-provoking story from Roberto Bolaño, a father and his twenty-two-year-old son go on an ill-fated vacation together. The two men are very different. The father is a sociable truck-driver who likes a good time, usually involving alcohol and women. Although no prude, his son is a broody intellectual who enjoys reading poetry. The holiday appears doomed from the start. Despite some tender moments, a tone of impending disaster builds throughout the story. It is fitting that, when danger finally strikes, father and son face it together. We aren’t told the outcome, because it’s not important to the story.

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The Chance

The Chance: Short story by Peter CareyIn this story by Peter Carey, a bitter old man looks back on a time when he desperately tried to prevent his attractive lover from making herself ugly in a genetic lottery known as “The Chance”. The lottery, in which winners could alter their age or body shape, was run by alien invaders. Physical beauty was a social liability at the time and, as a member of a revolutionary movement intent on overthrowing the aliens, she was prepared to sacrifice her looks to remain anonymous. Themes include alcohol and drug abuse, love, chance, perceptions of beauty, courage, sacrifice.

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Shopping

Shopping: Short story by Joyce Carol OatesThis story is about motherly love taken too far. Joyce Carol Oates uses a trip to the mall to explore the relationship between a lonely, divorced mother and her 17-year-old daughter. At one point, the mother wants to ask her daughter: Why are you unhappy? Why do you hate me? Later, the mother stares at her with hatred. The girl is blossoming into independent womanhood. She has been the sole focus of her mother’s life, and the mother is having trouble “letting go”. Themes include helicopter parenting, loneliness, alcoholism and identity.

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The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse: Short story by William SaroyanThis story by William Saroyan describes a nine-year-old boy’s short encounters with a beautiful white horse ‘borrowed’ without permission by an older cousin. The boy’s family is part of an impoverished Armenian farming community living in the United States after being displaced from their homeland. The tribe to which the family belongs is renowned for the honesty and integrity of its members and, as might be expected, these are central themes of the story. Other themes include the refugee experience, temptation in the face of poverty, family values (reputation) vs. desire, rationalizing inappropriate behaviour, compassion, conscience.

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