This Scottish folktale is one of those rare stories where the character who successfully defeats a giant is a girl. As often happens in folktales, Molly achieves this through gruesome actions. First, she tricks the giant into killing his three innocent daughters. Later, she tricks him into severely beating has kind wife, who had helped when Molly and her sisters needed food. As a reward, the girls marry into the family of a cowardly king who is happy to send Molly into danger three more times to satisfy his greed. There don’t seem to be any true heroes here. More…
The New Constitution / Naya Qanun
A message of this story by Saadat Hasan Manto is to make sure you fully understand something you overhear before acting on it. An illiterate tongawala [coachman] learns about the world by eavesdropping on customers. Over several days, he overhears talk of a new “India Act”, which he misinterprets to be a new constitution that will free India from British rule. Having developed a hatred of the British for subjugating and exploiting his country, he is excited by the “news”. Unfortunately, acting on it lands him in jail. Themes include colonialism vs. freedom and self-determination, excitement, hope, disillusionment. More…
The Wedding Reception
Major themes of this story by Nyi Pu Lay are tradition (realistically portraying aspects of a working-class Mandalay wedding), and caring and respect for the aged at both a family and community level. The groom’s father is seriously ill and his son, his new wife, and others (including the grumpy owner of the only TV in the neighborhood) go to great lengths to ensure that he has an enjoyable day. Other themes include family, friendship, community, and the wonder of adults and children alike experiencing “modern” technology for the first time (in this case a car ride and watching TV). More…
The Little Things / Tears for Sale
Samira Azzam is best known for her later stories presenting a Palestinian perspective on the violence associated with the creation of Israel. Her lesser-known earlier stories are marked by entertaining descriptions of pre-war Palestinian life and traditions. In Little Things, a lovestruck college student tries but fails to heed her parent’s advice to remain virtuous and “not be like other silly girls”. Themes include reputation, first love, sexuality, self-determination. In Tears for Sale, a professional mourner who doubles as a beautician for brides learns that grief is easier to fake than suffer. Themes include curiosity, death, grief, marriage, virtue. More…
Tobermory
This story by Saki is a satire of early twentieth century British high society. A group of socialites attend a weekend house-party. Among the guests is a visiting scientist who was invited in the hope that his cleverness would contribute to the general entertainment. All are amazed when he teaches Tobermory, the family housecat, to speak perfect English. However, their surprise soon turns to anger at some of the things Tobermory has to say. This seals Tobermory’s fate… he knows too much and must be silenced! Themes include wonder, superficiality and hypocrisy, embarrassment, anger, retribution More…