The moral of this Indian folktale appears to be that evil will always receive the punishment it deserves. We have a famed holy man who turns out to be not very holy after all, a selfish, gullible rajah who wants to keep the holy man’s talents and blessings all for himself, and an overly curious princess who disobeys her father’s order not to leave the palace grounds. We aren’t told much about the “gallant young prince of Dilaram” but he, too, must have done something wrong to be punished with the disobedient princess as a wife. More…
The Sisters
Several themes in this story by James Joyce (paralysis, corruption and abuse of authority) are said to represent major issues facing both Ireland and its Catholic Church in the early 1900s. The story, which takes place shortly after the death of a Catholic priest, is narrated by a boy who was friends with and mentored by the cleric. He is angered by insinuations the priest was involved in a scandal but also feels “freed”, presumably because he can resume a normal boyhood. Other themes include religion, secular vs. religious education, fall from grace, mental illness, loneliness, death, “freedom”. More…
The Sentimentalists
In this story by Morley Callaghan two young men, one a law student, are shopping in a department store when they notice a store detective watching three women at the stocking counter. There was a stout, well-dressed older woman, a lanky schoolgirl, and a demure “girl next door” type. They bet on which one the detective is watching and, after two move away, the lawyer moves in and saves the guilty party. Unfortunately, all he gets for his trouble is a kick in the shins. Themes include petty crime, stereotyping, desperation, hope, insensitivity, betrayal. More…
Sleeping
In this story by Katharine Weber, a young girl is hired by a couple she has never met before to baby-sit while they go to the movies. They tell her the baby is a very sound sleeper and won’t need to be fed or changed. In addition, that she mustn’t open the door because it squeaks and will wake the baby. As the evening wears on, she becomes curious. She listens at the door and hears nothing. She gently tries the door but it seems locked. When the father drives her home, he asks a question that explains the mystery. More…
The 13-Carat Diamond
Khin Mya (aka Khin Myo Chit) is one of a small number of recognized Burmese (now Myanmars) authors who wrote in English as well as their native tongue. The story takes place during World War II at the time the Japanese occupied Burma. It tells of the humorous experiences of a young couple who are finding it hard to make ends meet. The woman fails at running a market stall, and comes up with a plan to become rich overnight. All she has to do is find someone with a 13-carat diamond they are willing sell. More…