Counterfeit Bills

Counterfeit Bills: Short story by Richard MathesonRichard Matheson is renowned for his novels and traditional short stories in the fantasy, horror and science fiction genres. This is one of his few published flash stories, and the fact that it is a spoof of the science fiction cloning model makes it especially interesting. The story is based on the premise of how nice it would be to have a ‘double’ to carry out all the mundane tasks in your life, so you could spend all your time going out and having fun. Despite (or perhaps thanks to) the corny puns, it is a very enjoyable Quick Read.

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The Romance of a Busy Broker

Romance of a Busy Broker: Short story by O. HenryThis humorous but unlikely story by O. Henry is set in the office of Harvey Maxwell, a busy New York stockbroker, over the space of a single morning. When Harvey sits down at his desk, it is as if he changes from a man into a machine. He puts everything else out of his mind. It is a bad day on the stock market and, when things get quieter at lunchtime, he realizes that he has forgotten something more important than making money. Themes include the pressure of ‘modern’ business, love, preoccupation, workplace conflict, gender roles.

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Voodoo

Voodoo: Flash story by Fredric BrownThis story by Fredric Brown explores the use of black magic to solve a marriage problem. Mr and Mrs Decker have decided on a divorce. Love has turned to hate, and the break-up is not friendly. The biggest issue they need to agree on is the financial settlement. Mrs Decker wants half of everything; Mr Decker thinks this is too much. She knows voodoo, and tells him she could use it to kill and him and get everything if he didn’t agree. This leads to an all-or-nothing bet. Themes include hatred, divorce, greed, the supernatural.

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The Wave

The Wave: Short story by Liam O'FlahertyThe only “characters” in this vignette from Liam O’Flaherty are a cliff, waves, and “the wave”. Major themes include permanence, time, the power of nature/many. O’Flaherty was a noted Republican, and the story can be looked upon as a powerful allegory of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The cliff (Britain) stands firm and resolute, having successfully weathered many storms over its long history. Individually, the smaller waves (the Irish people) make little impression against its rocky walls. Working together, and combining to form “the wave”, they have enough power to begin breaking down the mighty cliff.

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The End of Something / Three-Day Blow

The End of Something / Three Day Blow: Short stories by Ernest HemingwayThese two Ernest Hemingway stories should ideally be read together as they are linked by storyline (the end of a relationship) and major themes (change, friendship and moving on). The lumber town of Hortons Bay has died and its people have left because all the old-growth trees have been cut down. Like the townspeople, Nick Adams is planning a new beginning. He has decided to break up with girlfriend Marjorie, telling her “it isn’t fun anymore”. We learn the reason in the second story, which introduces additional themes of class and/or racial prejudice, selfishness, mateship and regret.

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The Snow Child

The Snow Child: Short story by Angela CarterThe main theme of Angela Carter’s Snow Child is feminist gender stereotyping. There are no heroes here. A powerful, dominating and lustful Count humiliates his wife by wishing for a young girl and clothing her in the vain Countess’s furs. His masculinity and dignity are then stripped away as he weeps while defiling the child’s dead body. The usually submissive Countess experiences a moment of power as the Count guiltily hands her the rose that killed the child. This passes when a thorn prick fails to kill her, proving that she lacks the sweet innocence of the snow child.

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The End of Old Horse

The End of Old Horse: Short story by Simon J. OrtizIn this coming of age story by Simon Ortiz, “Old Horse” is a dog that chokes to death trying to free itself from a rope tying it to a pole. Earlier, two boys had observed the dog chewing at the rope and barking and snarling every once in a while. They mentioned this to its owner, a family friend, who replied that the dog is just being dumb. The rest of the story focuses on the boys’ reaction to what may have been their first experience with death and grief. Themes include freedom, loss, anger, grief, “manliness” and self-control, change.

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Powder

Powder: Short story by Tobias WolffThis story from Tobias Wolff explores the relationship between a boy and his father at a time when his parent’s marriage is failing. The two have very different personalities. The boy is conservative and super-organized; the father carefree and irresponsible with little regard for rules. In order to return his son home from a skiing holiday in time for Christmas, the father disregards a police barrier and attempts a dangerous drive down a mountain in heavy snow. The boy shares a moment of bonding with his father as he uncharacteristically decides to ignore the potential consequences and enjoy the experience.

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