Featured Stories

The Man of the Crowd

The Man of the Crowd: Short story by Edgar Allan PoeThis story by Edgar Allan Poe opens with a man in high spirits after recovering from an illness sitting in a London coffee shop watching people go by in the street. He is absorbed in classifying them by occupation and social class until a “decrepid old man” with a fiendish expression unlike any he has seen before commands his attention. Curious, he follows the old man for twenty-four hours, learning nothing other than that he seems to want always to be part of a crowd. Themes include social class, obsession, curiosity, hidden secrets, urban alienation and loneliness.

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The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket

The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket: Short story by Yasunari KawabataIn understanding this story from Yasunari Kawabata, it is important to know that in Japan, grasshoppers are considered common insects whilst bell crickets are highly prized because of each male’s unique cry. In calling out Does anyone want a grasshopper? several times until Kiyoko responds, Fujio signals that he knows which of the two he has caught and who he wants to give it to. To me, the major themes of the story are love and perception: what some may mistake for a grasshopper, others will recognize as a bell cricket (and vice-versa!). Other themes: childhood innocence, individualism, destiny, beauty.

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The Zulu and the Zeide

The Zulu and the Zeide: Short story by Dan JacobsonIn this touching story by Dan Jacobson, a South African businessman is resentful towards his senile Jewish father for the embarrassment he causes and his many failings in life. As a cruel joke, he employs a “raw” Zulu from the countryside to keep his father out of trouble. Despite the language barriers, the Zulu does such a good job that a camaraderie develops between them and the old man begins to depend upon him. The infuriated son responds by humiliating the Zulu. Themes include aging and dependency, family, duty, humanity and compassion, jealousy, social class, racism, guilt.

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The Three Questions

The Three Questions: Short story by Leo TolstoyThis parable from Leo Tolstoy is about how to succeed in life. A king believes he would never fail in a task if he always knew three things: What is the best time to begin? Who are the most important people to have around you? and What is the most important thing to spend your time doing? He offers a reward for the answers, but neither his wisest counselors nor others who come to claim it can help. An experience with a forest hermit and injured assassin teach him what he needs to know. Themes: wisdom, humility, kindness, forgiveness, morality.

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Raymond’s Run

Raymond's Run: Short story by Toni Cade BambaraRaymond’s Run by Toni Cade Bambara is about a feisty school girl nick-named ‘Squeaky’ who helps take care of Raymond, her mentally challenged older brother. Squeaky is a very talented runner. She trains hard and desperately wants to win this years’ May Day race to show up an annoying and over-confidant new girl in town. During the race she sees Raymond running along the outside of the track keeping pace with her. She suddenly decides that winning races doesn’t matter as much as it used to. Themes: responsibility (care-giving), identity, independence, alienation, pride, rivalry, personal growth, respect.

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Waywaya

Waywaya: Novelette by Francisco Sionil JoséSet in pre-colonial Philippines, this novelette by Francisco Sionil José, begins with a young warrior who yearns for the freedom to determine his own destiny impulsively kidnapping and enslaving a girl from a rival tribe. The girl, whose name “Waywaya” translates as “freedom”, is ironically robbed of hers. The tragic love that develops between the two highlights themes of identity and personal freedom, prejudice, jealousy and sacrifice. Other themes include social injustice, the opportunity cost of cultural hostilities, and corruption (in this case how rulers can entrench their position and enrich themselves by encouraging fear of an enemy).

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The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man: Short story by Fyodor DostoevskyFyodor Dostoevsky’s thought-provoking story of a man who thinks he and his life are so ridiculous as to not be worth living packs a powerful message. Having decided to commit suicide, his life is turned around by a chance encounter with a young girl asking for help on the street, and a dreamed journey to a utopian world. He learns that meaning and happiness come through suffering and love (kindness), and that indifference (lack of concern for others) can destroy them. Themes: nihilism, despair, suffering, compassion, meaning in life.

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Seventh Grade

Seventh Grade: Short story by Gary SotoMiddle School marks the beginning of early adolescence. Hormones rage, bodies begin to change, and ‘new’ kinds of relationships form with members of the opposite sex. This story by Gary Soto is about Victor, a boy just starting Seventh Grade. He has promised himself that before the year is out he is going to hook up with Terresa, a girl he has known through their church for several years. The only subject they share at school is French, and Victor’s comical efforts to impress almost lead to disaster. The message: Don’t try to fake who you are. Just be yourself! (1,900 words)

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