This story by James Salter explores the theme of euthanasia (enabling assisted death with dignity for those for whom natural death will involve great suffering). A woman with an incurable illness enlists her husband to help her die. After the couple enjoy a last night out with a close friend, we learn that the man is not the loyal and loving husband we first thought him to be. He receives a surprise the next morning as the title of the story takes on a new meaning. Other themes include materialism, taking life for granted, betrayal, adultery, rape More…
In Paris
In this story by Ivan Bunin, a well-to-do, middle-aged Russian exile becomes “animated” for the first time in years when he encounters a sophisticated Russian waitress in a Paris restaurant. Both live in isolation and solitude, having fled their homeland for supporting the wrong side in the Russian Civil War. A date at the cinema predictably leads to a steamy romance. The woman moves in with the man, but it is not until the tragic final paragraph that readers can appreciate how much she loved him. Themes include loss, isolation and loneliness, sexuality, love, mortality, despair, a community in exile. More…
The Star-Child
This fable-like story by Oscar Wilde begins with a baby seemingly falling from the sky. His life-story unfolds through themes of poverty, social class, narcissism, cruelty, karma, loss, repentance and redemption. Finally, as lord of a great city, he rules with justice and mercy to all. In the last paragraph, the story takes an unexpected and some say disappointing turn. He dies three years later, and his successor rules evilly. Interpretations of this depressing denouement include the futility of one man trying to change the way of the world, and the benefits of democracy over autocratic rule. More…
Real Food
In this story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the term real food means food that is traditional to a culture. In Nigeria, the staple traditional dish is a type of flour known as garri. The girl in the story feels sick when she eats “swallow” (small lumps of cooked garri dough dipped in soup). She complains that it makes her throat itch, which indicates she may be allergic to it. Although the girl’s educated mother is understanding and accommodates her eating preferences, less informed relatives see this as a sign that she has abandoned her culture. Themes: family, culture, identity. More…
Two Words
In this story by Isabel Allende a young woman has become famous, traveling an unnamed South American country by foot delivering news, storytelling, writing letters for people, and selling “secret” words that have magical powers. One day, a feared bandit/rebel leader forces her to write a motivating political speech to help him become president. On departing, she whispers two words in his ear. The speech is such a success he becomes the favorite to win the election. However, obsessed by the meaning of her two words, he withdraws into himself. Themes include hardship, courage and determination, loneliness, the power of words. More…