Featured Stories

The Swimmer

The Swimmer: Short story by John CheeverJohn Cheever’s The Swimmer satirizes New York high society through a quirky mix of realism and surrealism. Neddy Merrill is arrogant, pretentious and narcissistic. His attempt to become recognized as a legendary adventurer by “swimming” home from a party through a summer storm symbolizes risk-taking that may have led to the loss of his wealth, respect, family and health. Along the way, he encounters others in the community: the principled Hallorens who stand up for their beliefs; the down-to-earth Biswangers he has socially shunned for not “belonging to his set”; and the loving mistress he has cruelly cast aside.

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My Sweet Sixteenth

My Sweet Sixteenth: Short story by Brenda WilkinsonIn this story by Brenda Wilkinson, a school friend helps a young a girl deliver her baby in her upstairs bedroom while a house-full of guests celebrate her “Sweet Sixteenth” birthday downstairs. The baby’s father wanted her to keep it; she wanted a termination but waited too long. The next morning, she secretly takes the baby to a hospital, claiming she found it on the street. Fortunately, the truth comes out and the prospect of family shame encourages her to keep the child, which she now loves. Themes include naivety, choices and consequences, deception, abortion, friendship, social image, and motherhood.

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The Wedding Reception

The Wedding Reception: Short story by Nyi Pu LayMajor 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).

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A Worn Path

A Worn Path: Short story by Eudora WeltyIn this Eudora Welty story, an aged woman makes a long, dangerous trek through the Mississippi woods. Its power lies in the vivid descriptions of nature and the various obstacles she encounters. Once in town, she struggles to remember the purpose of the journey. Although we learn later that she has come for the regular medicine needed by her ailing grandson, many readers question if the boy still lives. Her confusion suggests that such visits may simply be a way of handling the grief (or guilt) associated with his death. Themes: nature, old age, perseverance, duty, poverty, dignity, racism, redemption.

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The Pursuer

The Pursuer: Short story by Julio CortázarThis story is said to be Julio Cortázar’s first attempt at realism. Although the subject of the story (prodigious jazz musician Johnny Parker) is fictional, the events closely follow the personal life and last months of jazz legend Charlie Parker. Told through the eyes of Johnny’s close friend and biographer, the story not only pays tribute Parker’s extraordinary talent, but also lays bare the demons (mental health problems, heroin addiction, and alcohol abuse) that led to his death at thirty-four. Themes include friendship, mental illness, substance abuse, pursuit in art and life, the nature of time and reality.

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The Luck of Roaring Camp

The Luck of Roaring Camp: Short story by Bret HarteIn this story by Bret Harte, strange things happen when a Californian gold prospecting camp “adopts” an orphaned baby born to its only woman resident, the camp prostitute. The birth brings a streak of good fortune to the camp, resulting in the baby being named Thomas Luck. The Luck’s presence inspires the men to clean up the camp, their habits, and themselves. The camp prospers, and there is even talk of encouraging families to move there for the sake of the child. Unfortunately, the Luck’s luck cannot defeat nature. Themes: isolation, lawlessness, community, change/redemption, the inconstancy of luck.

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Knock

Knock: Short story by Fredric BrownThis story by Fredric Brown begins and ends with what may be the shortest horror story ever written: The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door… A scientist wakes to find himself alone in a cell. The previous night Alien invaders had collected 217 animal species, including him, for study. They then destroyed all other animal life on the planet. He convinces them that Earth is a dangerous place to live. After they have gone, he hears the second knock on the door. Themes include exploration, genocide, deceit, solitude, “duty”.

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At War’s End: An Elegy

At War's End: An Elegy: Short story by Rony V. DiazThis story by Rony V. Diaz takes place during the Philippine Hukbalahap Rebellion at the end of World War 2. The “Huks”, originally a peasant resistance who fought the Japanese, embraced communist principles and turned their attention to overturning the country’s feudal farming system. The heir to a large landholding mysteriously commits suicide. It is unclear whether he acted because of a promise made to break up his family land, or uncertainty and fear about doing so. The answer may lie in a cryptic poem confiscated by police. Major themes include tradition, feudalism, wealth vs. poverty, social change, suicide.

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