Featured Stories

The Homemaker / Gharwali

The Homemaker / Gharwali: Short story by Ismat ChughtaiIn this story by Ismat Chughtai, an orphan growing up on the streets learns that her body is her only asset. Alluring and without shame, she is known for providing sex for money, on credit, or as charity. Things change when a friend suggests that a respectable shopkeeper employ her as a housemaid. He refuses because of her reputation, but she is so taken by what she sees after visiting his house that she stays despite his protests and takes over the household. Themes include promiscuity, reputation, hypocrisy, desire, marriage, patriarchy, jealousy, the importance of “belonging”.

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Barcelona

Barcelona: Short story by Alice AdamsThis story by Alice Adams deals with themes of fear, preparedness, pride, gender expectations and poverty. As a wealthy-looking American couple walk through the darkened streets of Barcelona, a thief grabs the woman’s purse and flees. The husband gives chase and recovers it, but appears strangely disappointed when his wife tells him that she always carries her money in her pocket and the bag contains nothing of value. The wife reflects on how men are always “chasing something” to prove their self-worth, and feels sorry for the plight of the poor who must steal to do so.

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The Story of a Letter

The Story of a Letter: Short story by Carlos BulosanIn this semi-autobiographical story by Carlos Bulosan, a letter written in English in need of translation links two themes: 1) The challenges (language barriers, racism, exploitation and mistreatment) faced by illiterate Filipinos who immigrated to America for a better life during the first half of last Century; 2) The harshness and unpredictability, especially for those on the land, of the life they left behind. Sadly, most of their families at home will rarely, if ever, hear from them again. Other themes include family, community, the importance of education, expectations vs. reality, resilience, perseverance.

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Miss Brill

Miss Brill: Short story by Katherine MansfieldKatherine Mansfield’s Miss Brill is a lonely middle-aged woman for whom the highlight of the week is a Sunday visit to a city park. She occupies herself by eavesdropping on strangers who share her “special” bench, listening to the brass band, and people watching. On this day, she is wearing a favorite fur stole (scarf) and imagines that the park is a huge theatre performance in which she is a central character. The dream is shattered and her day ruined when she overhears some unkind words from her imaginary heroes. Themes: reclusiveness, loneliness, habit, aging, fantasy vs. reality, disillusionment, retreat.

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Born of Man and Woman

Born of Man and Woman: Short story by Richard MathesonIn this moving story by Richard Matheson, what appears to be a mutant eight-year-old child has been locked in a basement for most of its life because of his/her monstrous form and size. The child does not appear to be possessed by an evil or supernatural force and is inquisitive about the outside world. Sadly, it is beaten every time he/she ventures upstairs or attempts to look outside. The horror aspect comes from the cruelty the child suffers and the threat of impending violence if it continues. Themes include appearance, alienation, isolation and loneliness, desire for acceptance, cruelty, retaliation.

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The Homecoming Stranger

The Homecoming Stranger: Short story by Bei DaoIn this story by Bei Dao, a young woman in 1970s China has difficulty dealing with her father’s homecoming after being falsely convicted of literary crimes and spending twenty years in prison. She feels resentment, not only over what she sees as his ‘desertion’, but also over her mother standing by when she was imprisoned and tortured at age twelve. Fortunately, on coming to understand her father’s love and the courage he had showed, she realizes her selfishness and they reconcile. Themes include the unfairness and brutality of the Mao regime, resentment, hypocrisy, rejection, fatherly love, courage, selfishness, forgiveness, reconciliation.

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The Gilded Six-Bits

The Gilded Six-Bits: Short story by Zora Neale HurstonThe popular interpretation of this story by Zora Neale Hurston is that two young newlyweds (Joe and Missie May) have what appears to be a perfect marriage until a boastful newcomer from Chicago (Otis) opens an ice-cream parlor in their small Southern town. The couple’s playful, passionate bliss is shattered when Otis, who appears wealthy and sophisticated, seduces Missie May in exchange for promises of gold. In most short stories, this would lead to a tragic ending. Not here! The couple come out of it seemingly happier than ever. Themes: poverty, love, deception (appearances vs. reality), temptation, betrayal, guilt, forgiveness.

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Last Night

Last Night: Short story by James SalterThis story by James Salter explores the theme of euthanasia (enabling assisted death with dignity for those for whom natural death will involve great suffering). A woman with an incurable illness enlists her husband to help her die. After the couple enjoy a last night out with a close friend, we learn that the man is not the loyal and loving husband we first thought him to be. He receives a surprise the next morning as the title of the story takes on a new meaning. Other themes include materialism, taking life for granted, betrayal, adultery, rape

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