The question in the title of this Guy de Maupassant story could refer to two things: the blissful year the protagonist shared with his lover, or the vision he had while visiting her grave. Similarly, the feelings of emptiness and loss he experiences could be because of two things: the unexpected death of his lover, or what he learned/dreamed about her death in the cemetery. Themes include blind love (idolization blurring reality), infidelity and betrayal (perhaps on two levels if, as the first priest suggested, the woman was his mistress), obsessive grief, dreams/the supernatural. More…
Battle Royal
This “coming of age story” is the self-contained first chapter of Ralph Ellison’s acclaimed novel, Invisible Man. A young African American is invited to repeat his high school graduation speech, which focused on humility, at a gathering of the town’s leading white citizens. Upon arrival, he learns that he must first participate in a “battle royal”: a depraved, demeaning group fight event. When he finally makes his speech, few people pay any attention until a slip of the tongue changes its tone from humble to activist. Themes include heritage and identity, naiveté, racism, emancipation, class, sexism, violence. More…
Federigo’s Falcon
Officials issued public pleas and advised residents on measures that would minimise risk of contagion, such as social distancing and increased personal hygiene. Sound familiar? This comes from the introduction to The Decameron, a 1353 collection of tales told by a fictitious group hiding from the plague (smallpox). Although most of the stories were borrowed from early Eastern and European sources, Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio cleverly re-wrote (and in some cases reinvented) them into a fascinating account of life at the time. In this story, a poor noble mistakenly sacrifices his prized hunting bird to impress the woman he loves. More…
The Chrysanthemums
In this seemingly straightforward story by John Steinbeck, chrysanthemum-growing Elisa’s character can be interpreted in several, often contradictory, ways. Is she “strong and happy” as her husband says, or weak and disillusioned with her life? Does she crave companionship, intimacy and perhaps a child, or freedom? Is her fascination with chrysanthemums because of a special connection with nature, or because they represent the only joy in her life? Whatever the answers, after a smooth-talking tinker raises her self-esteem and then shatters it, Elisa’s tears signify her realization that nothing will change. Themes: isolation, loneliness, aesthetics, lack of fulfillment, betrayal. More…
The Water of Life
The major themes of this fairy-tale by Howard Pyle are that money and status don’t necessarily reflect the inner man, and loyalty can sometimes bring great rewards. A princess vows to marry whoever brings her a cup of water from the “Fountain of Life”. A young king sends a servant on the long and dangerous journey to collect some, and falsely claims the prize. The doubtful princess sets him two more tasks, one of which requires cutting off the faithful servant’s hand. Thanks to the Water of Life, things end happily for the servant but not so for the king. More…