In this story by Marilyn Helmer for Cricket Magazine, two brothers set out to prove their grandfather was joking when he told them an old straw hat he never wears has the magical ability to bring things to life. They decide to test the hat by placing it on the head of scarecrow standing in a neighbor’s garden. As they are doing this, the neighbor’s dog barks and the boy’s flee, leaving the hat behind. Later that night, they are shocked when a stranger dressed exactly like the scarecrow joins a neighbourhood barn dance. More…
Terrapin
This story by Patricia Highsmith involves a psychologically disturbed woman who cannot face the prospect of her eleven-year-old son “growing up”. The poor boy faces humiliation and bullying at school by having to wear tight, much younger boy’s shorts and is embarrassed at home by being forced to recite children’s poetry for his mother’s guests. When she brings home a terrapin (turtle) to cook for a special dinner, he mistakes it for a pet. The terrapin’s seemingly agonising death in boiling water, including a perceived cry for help, triggers a terrifying response. Themes: child abuse, control, change, identity, escape, insanity. More…
The Dog of Tithwal
This story from Saadat Hasan Manto takes place during the first Indo-Pakistan (Kashmir) War, which commenced just two months after the 1947 formation of the two countries. The war was a form of “Mexican standoff”. This is reflected in the plot, where soldiers break their boredom with occasional shots towards the enemy camp that have no chance of hitting anyone. The treatment and killing of Jhun Jhun for “refusing” to take sides is symbolic of the suffering of civilians caught up in the conflict. Themes: natural peace and harmony vs. mankind’s propensity for violence, futility, innocence, distrust, cruelty, human suffering. More…
The Diamond Mine
The Diamond Mine in this story by Willa Cather is an internationally renowned opera singer. The story highlights the emotional pressure associated with pursuing art for fame and fortune, rather than for art’s sake alone. The diva derives pleasure from “giving” to her husbands and extended family, most of whom ruthlessly exploit the poor woman. Although happy to bask in her fame, her vitality and success inspires envy and hatred among them. Their indolence and greed leaves her mined out, both financially and emotionally. Themes: the artist as a celebrity, vitality, envy, greed, exploitation, betrayal. More…
The Son
In this emotionally charged story by Horacio Quiroga, a thirteen-year-old boy goes hunting in woods near his home. He is well aware of the dangers associated with hunting alone, and competent in the use of a gun. The boy’s father, who is not well and suffers from hallucinations, becomes concerned when he does not return at the agreed time. Fearing the worst, he begins a frantic search, growing increasingly anxious until finding, or thinking he finds, the boy safe and unharmed. Themes include parental love, isolation, nature and survival, trust, anxiety, fear, illusion, death. More…