The Ransom of Red Chief

The Ransom of Red Chief: Short story by O. HenryIn this story by O. Henry, two bumbling swindlers kidnap a boy to raise money for their next scam. Unfortunately, they choose the wrong victim. Not only is the boy hyperactive and uncontrollable but, poorly treated at home, he enjoys camping out with them so much that he doesn’t want to return. Through various persona (including the warrior Red Chief), he drives the men to distraction … so much so that when his father refuses to pay their ransom, they pay him to take the boy back. Themes include crime, parental neglect, misjudgement, imagination and make-believe, violence, poetic justice.

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Secretary

Secretary: Short story by Mary GaitskillIn this story by Mary Gaitskill an insecure, introverted young woman from a dysfunctional family begins her first ever job as a secretary in a lawyer’s office. Unfortunately, her employer is a sadistic sexual predator. After several weeks of repeated spelling mistakes in letters she types, he calls her into his office and spanks her. She is both repulsed and sexually stimulated by the humiliation. She quits the job when he goes a step further and, after responding to the degradation by pleasuring herself, the poor woman suffers an emotional breakdown. Themes include innocence, sexuality, workplace harassment, sexual assault, BDSM.

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The Drover’s Wife

The Drover's Wife: Short story by Henry LawsonIn this story by Henry Lawson, a woman remembers the many hardships and few good times in her life as she sits up all night with only a dog to help protect her and her children from a deadly snake. The snake has crawled under their house. They can’t sleep inside, as the wooden floor has gaps in it. They cower in the kitchen, which is attached to the side of the house and has an earthen floor. The children sleep on the table. She sits on a chair with a stick on her lap, waiting for the snake.

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Mateo Falcone

Mateo Falcone: Short story by Prosper MériméeThis disturbing tale by Prosper Mérimée has been called “the cruellest story in the world”. Although it deals with some complex issues, the plot is rather simple. Set in the wilds of Corsica, a bratty ten-year-old boy left home alone is confronted by a wounded criminal fleeing the police. He pays the boy to hide him but, when the police arrive and offer a bigger reward, the boy betrays the man. This brings shame upon his family, and forces his father to enforce the Corsican Code of Honor. Themes include greed, honor and betrayal, custom (vendetta), violence and brutality.

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Luck

Luck: Short story by Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)As the name implies, the major theme of Luck by Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) is just that — Luck! Its main message is that good fortune can result in the most unlikely people achieving greatness. Other themes include envy and injustice. The clergyman envies Lieutenant General Lord Arthur Scoresby, V.C., K.C.B., etc. for his successes in life… especially on the battlefield where, in reality, he didn’t seem to know back from forwards and right from left. There is also a sense of injustice in that the General appears to show no appreciation for the clergyman’s role in his success.

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Guests of the Nation

Guests of the Nation: Short story by Frank O'ConnorThis story by Frank O’Connor takes place during, or possibly shortly after, the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). Two young Irishmen become friends with two English ‘prisoners’ they are guarding. That is until a cold-hearted officer orders them to take part in the execution of the men. As one notes at the end of the story: And anything that happened to me afterwards, I never felt the same about again. Themes: friendship, religion vs. atheism, choices and consequences, aspects of war (duty vs. morality, brutality, the humanity of enemy combatants, possible long-term psychological effects).

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An Astrologer’s Day

An Astrologer's Day: Short story by R. K. NarayanThe “astrologer” in this story by R. K. Narayan is a fake, making a living by knowing enough about human nature to trick people into believing he has mystical powers. One day, he bargains with a reluctant passer-by to answer a question for many times his usual fee. He tries to cancel the reading immediately the passer-by sits down, but the man forcibly insists he continues. Although a deliberate lie, his answer not only eases the tormented man’s mind, but also brings in peace and redemption to himself. Themes include deception, fate, crime and punishment, revenge, redemption, spirituality, greed.

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The Falling Girl

The Falling Girl: Short story by Dino BuzzattiThe meaning of this thought-provoking story by Dino Buzzati is reflected in both the building and the girl. The skyscraper is a metaphor for society: the idle rich party at the “top”, as the working class scurry about at the bottom. The story represents an attractive young woman’s journey from the glamor and excitement of the “high life” to the loneliness, frailty and fears of old age. In the sad conclusion, she has no one to mourn her (hear the “thud”) when she hits the ground. Themes include social class, consumerism, envy, lack of fulfilment, ageing, alienation and loneliness.

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