In this playful story by Anton Chekhov, a government clerk enjoying a night at the opera is dismayed when an unexpected sneeze lands droplets on the bald head of a civilian General. Although his immediate apology is accepted, the clerk not only makes a nuisance of himself with continued apologies during the performance, but pesters the general over the next two days trying to explain what happened. As the general becomes increasingly angry, the clerk becomes increasingly anxious until the stress gets too much for him. Themes include social class (living in fear), guilt, insecurity, paranoia, anxiety. More…
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This story by Anton Chekhov explores the topic of parent-child communication. A court prosecutor learns that on two occasions his seven-year-old son stole some of his tobacco and was caught smoking. In true prosecutorial style, he does his best to point out the dangers of smoking. However, each time he raises an argument, the boy drifts off on a tangent and changes the subject. Recognizing he isn’t getting through to his son, he abandons logic and successfully communicates the message through a bedtime story. Themes include father-son relationships, punishment vs. discipline, logic vs. imagination, the power of storytelling. More…
Dharma
This story from Vikram Chandra focuses on the life of career soldier Jago Antia. In a twist on the ghost story genre, most of the action occurs in a house haunted not by the ghost of a dead inhabitant, but the “lost” spirit of Jago’s youth. A question raised by the story is Which of the many meanings of the word “dharma” does the title refer to? Superficially, it reflects Jago’s distinguished career (duty). On a deeper level, it represents the self-awareness (freedom) provided by confronting his personal ghost. Themes: modern vs. traditional beliefs, duty, self-discipline, courage, the supernatural, dharma. More…
The Rockpile
This partly autobiographical story from James Baldwin explores aspects of African-American life in Depression-era Harlem. It contrasts religious zeal with violence and division in the community. In addition to the violence taking place in the children’s “gang” skirmishes on the rockpile, a climate of fear and intimidation exists in the protagonist’s household. Religion is presented not as an uplifting faith that gives meaning to life, but rather something to be feared and obeyed, and through which people are automatically classified as either “redeemed” or “wicked”. Themes: religion, fear, obedience/temptation, choices and consequences, alienation, motherly love. More…
Hermann the Irascible (Story of the Great Weep)
H. H. Munro (aka Saki)’s story Hermann the Irascible is a classic example of the use of reverse psychology to achieve a desired result. The story first appeared in 1909 at the height of the suffrage movement in Britain. As in the story, this involved mass demonstrations (of both man and women) across the country. Many readers are critical of the story because they feel that it trivializes women’s rights. The point they miss is that Saki’s use of satire is so “over the top” here that, rather than mocking the cause, the story highlights and supports it. More…