This story by Patricia Grace paints a poignant picture of an elderly woman who has lived alone for fifteen years after her husband’s death. She comforts herself by imagining him as a star which, along with other loved ones who have since died, watches over her at night. She has given away most of her belongings and lives a spartan but contented life, ever watchful for visitors who never come and listening for a telephone that never rings. As the story ends, she “wakes” to find her bed surrounded by dancing stars. Themes include independence, ageing with grace, contentment, loneliness. 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…
Muffin
“Bullying” has been around since the first humans left their caves and formed hunter/gatherer groups. The problem in dealing with it, as in this story from Susan Cooper, is the power gap that often exists between perpetrator and victim. Set during the Blitz of World War Two, the story’s protagonist (a persecuted schoolgirl) tries striking back. As is often the case, this only makes things worse. A kindly old lady witnesses an assault and offers to help. When the poor woman dies in the bombing, an unlikely friend becomes the girl’s protector. Themes: bullying, kindness, sharing problems, offering help. More…
The Pig That Went to Market
This children’s story by Enid Blyton tells of a man who is so forgetful that he always leaves his kitchen door open. His pig knows this and spends most of its time sitting inside in front of the fire. One day the man finds that he has no money. He decides that selling the pig is a better idea than getting a job. However, his forgetfulness causes problems in taking the pig to market. When he finally does get it there, he receives a beating for his trouble. In the end, he faces an easy decision. More…
The Street-sweeping Show
This story by Feng Jicai provides an insight as to how Chinese bureaucracy functioned under the Mao regime. A town Mayor, surrounded by groveling officials, puts on an artificial media show to be seen supporting National Cleanup Week. The event needs no publicity, as the town’s population is already out sweeping the streets. Moreover, the carefully choreographed newspaper and T.V. shoot is held in the Central Square, which has already been swept clean. When the Mayor’s grandson points out that he is on TV, he comments: It’s not worth watching! Themes include social class, propaganda, media manipulation, appearance vs. reality. More…