Featured Stories

The Devil and Daniel Webster

The Devil and Daniel Webster: Short story by Stephen BenétIn this American tall tale by Stephen Benét a hapless farmer sells his soul to the devil in exchange for seven years of good luck. When the time comes to “pay up”, he asks Daniel Webster, famed lawyer, orator and all around good guy, to help him get out of the deal. After attempts at compromise fail, Webster insists on a trial according to American law. Although the devil whips up a stacked judge and jury comprised of dead scoundrels, Daniel’s speech about American values wins the day.. Themes include patriotism, temptation, good vs. evil, “neighborliness” (helping others), and righteousness.

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Was it a Dream?

Was it a Dream: Short story by Guy de MaupassantThe question in the title of this Guy de Maupassant story could refer to two things: the blissful year the protagonist shared with his lover, or a vision he had while visiting her grave. Similarly, the feelings of emptiness and loss he experiences could be because of two things: the unexpected death of his lover, or what he learned about her death in the vision. A priest had asked if the woman was the man’s mistress. If true, is his reaction at the graveside really justified? Or could Maupassant be pointing out a shameful double standard in French society?

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In the Family

In the Family: Short story by María Elena LlanaThis story from Cuban writer María Elena Llana uses a combination of humour and magical realty to highlight the potentially fatal consequences of pride. The victim (Clara), having excelled at university but never bothered to look for work, seems to think her formal education puts her above other family members. One evening, while “holding court” over dinner with her extended family (both living and dead) she learns the error of her ways. The next day she finds herself sitting on the other (dead family’s) side of the table. Themes: pride, acceptance of the unusual, the supernatural.

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The Elevator

The Elevator: Short story by William SleatorIn this story by William Sleator, a timid twelve-year-old who is bullied at school and ridiculed by his father for his weakness faces two fears alone. Always uncomfortable in elevators, his first challenge is the old, creaky three-person elevator in the apartment block they have just moved into. His second fear is a fat woman with a piggish look who stares at him uncomfortably when they meet in the elevator and seems to be stalking him. The latter fear appears justified. Themes include agoraphobia (fear of being trapped), paranoia, facing one’s fears, parental insensitivity.

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A Wife’s Story

A Wife's Story: Short story by Bharati MukherjeeThis story by Bharati Mukherjee explores the cultural transformation that occurs when the wife of an Indian textile executive moves to New York on a two-year scholarship to complete a doctoral degree. The freedom she experiences when no longer bound by the traditions and strict social conventions of her homeland allows her to find her identity. The change is emphasized as she accompanies her husband around the city during a short visit partway through the course, and raises the question of how she will fare upon return to India. Themes include identity, communication, culture clash, gender roles, liberation.

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The Sacrificial Egg

The Sacrificial Egg: Short story by Chinua AchebeThe major theme of this story by Chinua Achebe is culture clash, as reflected in the changes forced on the Ibo (Igbo) people of South-Eastern Nigeria as they reconciled their traditional values and beliefs with the effects of Westernization under British colonial rule. One of the biggest changes observed by the narrator is the move from a village-based to an urbanized society, which resulted in a resurgence of smallpox. We also learn how some people, including the narrator, try to minimize such conflicts by maintaining a foot in both cultural camps. Other themes include colonialism, tradition, superstition, compromise.

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The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost: Short story by Oscar WildeOscar Wilde is known for his comedic, usually satirical stories that focus on the shallowness and hypocrisy of the Victorian upper class. He goes several steps further in this playful ghost story, also mocking the brash practicality of wealthy Americans and some of the common devices used in horror and romantic literature. A fascinating aspect of the plot is the way Wilde builds sympathy for his spectral protagonist before revealing the petty reason the cruel man murdered his unfortunate wife. Themes: (general) British vs American culture, tradition, compassion; (the ghost) duty, artistry, suffering, atonement, redemption, peace.

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The Father

The Father: Short story by Bjørnstjerne BjørnsonThis story by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson opens with the wealthiest and most influential peasant in his parish asking for special treatment in the baptism of his son. He visits the priest on behalf of the boy on two subsequent occasions… to have him stand first in his confirmation, and to publish the banns for his marriage. Shortly after the last visit, his son drowns. A year later, the devasted and humbled man sells his farm, gives half to the church, and promises to do “something better”. Themes include pride (in seeking to elevate his status), loss, achieving humility through suffering.

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