Here We Are

Here We Are: Short story by Dorothy ParkerThis story by Dorothy Parker comprises a dialog between a young newlywed couple traveling by train to their honeymoon destination. It is clear that both are nervous, and that their relationship has hitherto been platonic. The bride appears particularly insecure, and challenges several things her new husband says as indications that he doesn’t care for her, her family, and her taste in fashion. She is looking for affirmation of his love, which he provides, and deflecting thoughts of what they both know will happen that evening. Themes include marriage, innocence, communication, insecurity, jealousy, embarrassment, sex.

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Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at Woodstock

Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Woodstock: Short story by Sherman AlexieIn this story by Sherman Alexie a Native-American boy recalls the good and not-so-good times before his father rode off on his motorcycle, never to return. His father led a rebellious early life, spent two years in prison, visited Woodstock, and came home a heavy drinker. The relationship between his parents was volatile, alternating between alcohol induced arguments and lovemaking. The boy’s father had difficulty opening up and music, especially the titular song, was an important catalyst for communication between them. Themes include father-son relationships, war (in all contexts), alcoholism, marriage breakdown, abandonment, memory, the power of music.

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The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas

The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas: Short story by Ursula Le GuinThis philosophical narrative by Ursula Le Guin describes life in the seemingly utopian city of Omelas. We learn that almost everyone in the city lives in complete happiness. There is no organized system of rule, few laws, sexual freedom, no crime, no violence, and nobody living in want. Sadly, there is a blight on this “paradise”. For happiness to prevail, a single child must live in absolute misery, locked up alone in an underground cell. Themes: morality and moral compromise (the price of happiness), victimization, complicity (collective knowledge = shared responsibility), guilt, courage (the ones who “walk away”).

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The Gold-legged Frog

The Gold-legged Frog: Short story by Lao KhamhomIn this touching story by Lao Khamhom, a Thai farmer must leave his dying son in the hands of faith-healers and herbalists to grovel in front of local officials for a meagre government handout. He gets the money but, contrary to what other villagers say, it’s not his lucky day. Major themes are the harshness of nature on farming communities and the abuse of power by the Thai authorities of the day (the late 1950s) in dealing with them. Other themes include family, poverty, suffering, helplessness, survival, superstition, social class, and “luck”.

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The Boarded Window

The Boarded Window: Short story by Ambrose BierceIn this short gothic horror story from Ambrose Bierce, a boarded window symbolizes a grieving and possibly PTSD affected man’s desire to shut himself off from the outside world. Murlock shows no signs of traditional mourning over his wife’s passing, so his decision to live as he does could well result from a sense of shame and/or guilt over his part in her death. As we have only his version of the night’s events, it could even be that (with or without a panther) his wild shot was the reason for her throat wound! Themes: isolation, death, shame/guilt, loneliness.

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Karma

Karma: Short story by Khushwant SinghSir Mohan Lal, the pretentious high-ranking Indian official in this story by Khushwant Singh, is caught between two cultures. After rejecting his heritage and aspiring to identify with the British ruling class, he cannot escape his “Indian-ness”. His self-important behaviour is contrasted with that of his wife, who he treats with disdain but passively accepts her lot. Ironically, his humiliating treatment on a train (being unceremoniously thrown out of his first class carriage by two drunken British soldiers) highlights the dark side of the world he aspires to. Themes include identity, cultural alienation, social class, colonialism, narcissism, prejudice, humiliation.

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A Sound of Thunder

A Sound of Thunder: Short story by Ray BradburyWhat is the most dangerous thing about time travel? According to this story by Ray Bradbury, it is doing some small thing that may change the future. Five men travel back in time to hunt a T-Rex. One of them panics when he sees the monster and steps off a specially prepared path. Because of this, they return to a very different world. The last thing the clumsy hunter hears is a sound of thunder. Themes include arrogance, cowardice, the dangers of technology, connections between past and present, democracy vs. dictatorship, the ethics of game hunting.

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