Featured Stories

The Doctor’s Word

The Doctor's Word: Short story by R. K. NarayanIn this story by R. K. Narayan, a doctor renowned for telling patients the truth, even if the news is bad, faces a dilemma. A seriously ill close friend asks for a prognosis, saying that if he is dying he must finalize his will to protect his wife and children. The doctor doesn’t think he will survive the night, and is concerned that the shock of hearing this will kill him. He must choose between telling the truth, or lying to give is friend hope and a small chance of survival. Themes include truthfulness, friendship, faith, hope, choices and consequences.

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La Grande Bretèche

La Grande Bretèche: Short story by Honoré de BalzacIn this story by Honoré de Balzac, an elderly French doctor entertains guests at a dinner party by relating how he was able to solve the mystery of a dilapidated, abandoned mansion by seducing a hotel maid. Upon completion of his narration the story continues: all the ladies rose from table … But there were some among them who had almost shivered at the last words. Themes include social class, marriage, betrayal, vengeance, and gallantry (on the part of the Spanish noble for the way he faced death without giving his lover away).

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The Country of the Blind

The Country of the Blind: Short story by H. G. WellsIn this story by H. G. Wells, a climber falls thousands of feet off a mountain into soft snow. He survives, to find himself in a hidden valley inhabited by a community who were born blind. Initially, he sees this as an opportunity to assume power in line with the proverb: In the Country of the Blind the One-eyed Man is King. However, things don’t go as planned. He soon finds that rather than being disabling, blindness gives the inhabitants additional capabilities. Themes include isolation, disability, lust for power, delusion/entrenched attitudes (metaphorical blindness), unfulfilled love, sacrifice, liberation.

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A Christmas Memory

A Christmas Memory: Short story by Truman CapoteThis sentimental Christmas story from Truman Capote takes readers back to a time when children created their own fun and could safely explore the outdoors alone. The protagonist, a seven-year-old-boy, and his aged but child-like female cousin are best friends; two outsiders who help each other deal with being alone in the world. It is telling that their Christmas fruitcakes are not for neighbors and those who have power/know best (their pious carers), but strangers who either “strike their fancy” or have shown kindness towards them over the years. Themes: nostalgia, Christmas, friendship, innocence, isolation, poverty, coming of age.

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A Vendetta

A Vendetta: Short story by Guy de MaupassantThe French writer Guy de Maupassant is said to be one of the fathers of the modern short story. This story is about an old widow who lives in a small village in Southern Italy with her only son and his dog. One evening, the son is murdered. The mother is so saddened by this that she swears a vendetta against the killer. Every day, she sits by the window and wonders how she, a weak old woman with no one to help her, can carry out her promise. Finally, she comes up with an idea and has her revenge.

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Leiningen Versus the Ants

Leiningen Versus the Ants: Short story by Carl StephensonIn today’s story by Carl Stephenson, four hundred men on a Brazilian plantation fight off an army of killer ants. Its major theme is the courage and ingenuity of (European) man against the power of nature. Other themes include the “civilizing” benefits of colonialism, racism (Leiningen is portrayed as a heroic leader, the Indian “peons” primitive and fearful) and misogyny (Critical situations first become crises when oxen or women get excited.) Ironically, despite Leiningen’s boasts about his superior intelligence and faultless preparations (which fail), it is a last-minute idea, which he had previously overlooked, that saves the day.

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One Ordinary Day, With Peanuts

One Ordinary Day, With Peanuts: Short story by Shirley JacksonThe protagonist in this story from Shirley Jackson initially appears too good to be true. A seemingly ordinary man fills his pockets with candy and peanuts and walks the streets of New York, helping strangers and acting “Mr. Nice Guy”. The apparent theme is making a difference… how a good deed, a kind word, or even just a smile can brighten up someone’s day. It is not until we reach the end of the story that we are presented with two other themes: things are not always what they seem, and the duality of good and evil.

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Janus

Janus: Short story by Ann BeattieAnn Beattie’s Janus is about a realtor (Andrea) who strategically places her most prized possession (a decorative, “lucky” bowl) in houses she is showing in the belief it will help them sell. The titular Janus is the two-faced Roman god of duality; the lover who gave Andrea the bowl calls her “two-faced” for not leaving her husband. The central theme, symbolized by the bowl, is the choices modern women must make, as between career and family, financial security and struggle, husband and lover, etc. Andrea’s choices bring career and financial success, but not happiness. Other themes: aesthetic appreciation, deception, emptiness.

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