In Paris

In Paris: Short story by Ivan BuninIn this story by Ivan Bunin, a well-to-do, middle-aged Russian exile becomes “animated” for the first time in years when he encounters a sophisticated Russian waitress in a Paris restaurant. Both live in isolation and solitude, having fled their homeland for supporting the wrong side in the Russian Civil War. A date at the cinema predictably leads to a steamy romance. The woman moves in with the man, but it is not until the tragic final paragraph that readers can appreciate how much she loved him. Themes include loss, isolation and loneliness, sexuality, love, mortality, despair, a community in exile.

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The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World

The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World: Short story by Gabriel Garcia MarquezThis story from Gabriel Marquez describes how the body of a huge man washed in from the sea transforms a drab, sleepy fishing village. The body goes through stages of being admired for its power and good looks, pitied for the inconvenience being so large must have caused, given a name, claimed by the village as one of its own, and re-buried at sea with great dignity. The people feel such pride in being associated with the unknown man that their celebrations of his life turn the village into a famous landmark. Themes: myth creation, perceptions and influence of beauty.

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Heat

Heat: Short story by Joyce Carol OatesIn this confronting story by Joyce Carol Oates, mischievous eleven-year-old twin girls are brutally murdered by Roger Whipple, a supposedly harmless, mentally challenged man. Major themes are power, cruelty and violent revenge. The twins exercise persuasive power by demanding compliance with their wishes from school friends and cruelly harassing and making fun of Roger. The power theme is emphasized through anecdotes about the girls’ antics and dark humor: We liked it that Rhea and Rhoda had been killed … but we didn’t like it that they were dead; we missed them. In the end revenge, and Roger’s physical power, prevail.

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Rape Fantasies

Rape Fantasies: Short story by Margaret AtwoodThis Margaret Atwood story makes extensive use of irony and dark humor to soften discussion of a serious topic. Set in a bar, the protagonist (Estelle) relates a lunchtime discussion she had with co-workers about rape fantasies. Two of them dream of erotic, romantic encounters, while another remains awkwardly silent. Estelle’s imagined attackers all have a physical or mental impediment requiring her help! Themes include gender stereotypes, vulnerability, complacency, and naivety (as exemplified by Estelle’s belief that having a conversation about rape with a man she meets in a bar will protect her against the real thing!)

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Children of the Sea

Children of the Sea: Short story by Edwidge DanticatThis story from Edwidge Danticat highlights the plight of refugees the world over who have been (and unfortunately still are) forced to flee their countries for speaking up about illegitimate and/or oppressive governments. The tragic, haunting tale comprises alternating journal entries by a student activist forced to flee Haiti by sea during the notorious Duvalier regime of the late 1950s, and the young woman he leaves behind. As his boat leaks, the girl’s family suffers and Haiti bleeds. Ironically, life on the boat proves almost as savage as on land. Themes: totalitarianism (violence, injustice, human rights abuse), love, sacrifice, death.

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On the Way to Solomon’s Pools

On the Way to Solomon’s Pools: Short story by Samira AzzamThemes of this story by Samira Azzam include bravery, defeat and hatred. Set during Palestine’s defense of its territories shortly after the formation of Israel, a schoolteacher/National Guardsman lays covering fire as other villagers escape. His wife courageously remains with him, urging him to stay strong. When his ammunition runs out, they flee. He carries their young son, she a few belongings. As they run towards safety, the boy is fatally shot. He runs ahead of his wife, steps off the road, buries the child in private, and loses his soul to hatred… not even offering a prayer.

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All Summer in a Day

All Summer in a Day: Short story by Ray BradburySet on the planet Venus, the climate in this Ray Bradbury story features almost constant rain. The only break comes every seven years, when there are two hours of sunshine. The children of the Earth space travel families on the planet are all looking forward to playing outside during the short break. Only one of them has ever seen the sun, and she is having great trouble dealing with the constant rain. But when the sun finally does come out, she is nowhere to be seen. Themes include adaptability, envy, reaction to differences, and bullying..

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Shhhh

Shhhh: Short story by NoViolet BulawayoIn this story by NoViolet Bulawayo, a Zimbabwean girl is full of hatred when her father returns home terminally ill after years of no contact or family support. He is totally helpless and, because of his condition (AIDS), her mother forbids her to tell anyone he is back. There are few secrets in an African slum and, when her friends insist on seeing him, she fears they will treat him cruelly. To her surprise, they are respectful, gentle and caring, which begins to turn her feelings around. Themes include abandonment, hatred, fatal illness (AIDS), shame, secrecy, compassion, religion, church greed/corruption.

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