This early Kate Chopin story explores the relationship between unconventional 1880s newly-weds. A progressive mathematics professor marries his ideal woman: independent, intuitive, intellectual and extremely good to look at. After a European honeymoon, they decide to live separate lives for one or two years. She stays in Paris to become fluent in French, while he returns to teaching in America. The relationship is tested when he writes about the interesting emotions a friend’s young daughter stirs in him, and she is caught with an embarrassed young man in her studio. Themes: independence and equality, trust vs. suspicion, jealousy, repression. More…
The Blues I’m Playing
This story from Langston Hughes contrasts two women with very different outlooks on life. A wealthy, white, middle-aged widow finds purpose and intimacy through the patronization of young artists. Tensions emerge when the woman, who expects her protégés to behave in a manner consistent with her high social standing, takes on a black pianist for the first time. The talented, independent, working class young woman has her own ideas on life, love, and the music she wants to play. Themes: art, paternalism vs. independence, race and racism, sexuality, the significance and transforming power of music. More…
In Memory of Pauline
In this story by Adolfo Bioy Casares, childhood sweethearts grow up believing their “souls are united”. From the man’s perspective: Life was a pleasant habit which led us to look upon our eventual marriage as something natural and certain. He takes the relationship for granted, doesn’t express his love, and she marries someone else. Shattered, he accepts a two-year scholarship to study abroad. On his return, she visits his apartment and falls into his arms. When he goes looking for her the next day, a friend has shocking news. Themes include childhood love, complacency, jealousy, loss, memory, the supernatural. More…
A Letter to God
This inspirational story by Gregorio López Fuentes is about a hardworking farmer (Lencho) whose crops are destroyed in a hailstorm. Facing a year in which his wife and children will go hungry, Lencho decides to write to the only one he knows of that is sure to help them: God. He posts the letter, and his faith is such that he is not at all surprised when he gets a letter in reply containing money. In the humorous denouement, Lencho’s faith in God is vindicated, but not so his faith in the post office. Themes: faith, unpredictability, kindness, misunderstanding, ingratitude. More…
House Taken Over
Said to be Julio Cortázar’s first published story, this suspenseful tale is about a middle-aged brother and sister who, having never married, live quiet but contented lives in their aging family mansion. One night, their solitude is interrupted by strange noises coming from a disused wing of the house. The brother locks and bolts the door leading to that part of the house. Unfortunately, the title foreshadows the final outcome. The brother and sister know the identity of the intruders (referred to only as “they”), but this is not shared with the reader. Themes: the idle rich, isolation, fear, change. More…