A baker’s dozen-worth of student reviews: covering short stories from Borges, Marquez, Singer, Oates, Moore, O’Brien, Joyce (2), Mansfield, Jackson, and Munro.
A baker’s dozen-worth of student reviews: covering short stories from Borges, Marquez, Singer, Oates, Moore, O’Brien, Joyce (2), Mansfield, Jackson, and Munro.
November 12, 2009 at 2:42 pm |
Set in the time of World War I, “The Garden of Forking Paths” by Jorge Luis Borges is a gripping yet profound combination of suspense and philosophy. Protagonist Dr. Yu Tsun is a German agent in the United Kingdom whose cover has been compromised. Yu Tsun struggles to deliver one last piece of intelligence to Germany while evading his British captors. Along the way, he stumbles upon the perplexities of an age-old mystery that has plagued him all his life: that of an ancient ancestor, and his disjointed book and mysterious labyrinth. Yu Tsun races to understand his relative’s riddle and deliver the intelligence to Germany before his pursuers reach him.
Through the stark juxtaposition of suspenseful espionage scenes and philosophical musings, Borges creates a surreal atmosphere about the story. The sudden jump from Yu Tsun’s escape into extensive philosophizing shifts the mood of the story rapidly and creates ambiguity as to what is happening. Time is blurred throughout the story, and it makes a pleasurably puzzling read. This mind-melding haze of ambiguity makes the climax a brutal fall back into the war, espionage, and betrayal of the story’s opening. “The Garden of Forking Paths” is a cleverly crafted mystery story of espionage, death, and the very nature of the universe itself. The story makes a puzzling yet thrilling read.
Nick and Ron, seniors
November 12, 2009 at 2:43 pm |
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings begins when Pelayo and Elisenda find an old man with massive wings lying in the muck outside their house on a rainy night. This event changes the lives of Pelayo and Elisenda, and the lives of the whole village, forever. Debates over the identity of the old man and how he got his wings ensue, with claims as to his identity ranging from angel to abomination. These debates intensify when the old man is revealed to have unusual powers, culminating in mass pilgrimages to visit him.
This gripping short story expounds upon topics ranging from the fickle and worldly nature of man, all the way to the relationship between man and his God. Surrealism seeps from every word in this short story, and yet it does not detract from the realities of human nature. Despite the unusual aspect of many of the plot events, the story remains closely tied to the human experience.
Although the vocabulary and plot used are simple enough for children to understand, as it is a children’s story, the themes remain deep enough for the message to be meaningful to even the most well-read adult. This is a story meant to both entertain and enlighten, and it succeeds at both. This story entertains in a down-to-earth style, yet provokes deeper thoughts about religion and society’s understanding of religion at the same time, making this an effective read for all.
Vinnie and Sam, seniors
November 12, 2009 at 5:29 pm |
“Gimpel the Fool,” by Isaac Bashevis Singer, tells the story of a foolish member of a small, Jewish town. His folly resides in his gullibility as the townspeople consistently fool and lie to him at every turn. The story tells of his life growing up and the relationship he holds with his wife, Elka. She dupes him by cheating on him regularly with other males, while claiming she is faithful. This is despite that Gimpel catches her sleeping with other men. Only as Elka lays dying does she admit her adultery and Gimpel, accepting her fate, moves on. He moves from the town to travel around the world while following and developing his personal philosophy on life regarding truth and lies and how fallacies do not exist.
Gimpel is passive in his approach to others, accepting whatever they tell him as true. Though he may know what he is hearing is false, he chooses to accept it as true in order to avoid conflict. However, by the end of the story, his folly seemingly diminishes and his thoughts on truth and lies appear wise. His relationship with the rabbi, the only man in the village who does not dupe him, earlier in the story foreshadows his future insights. His philosophy, by the end of the story, holds that lies do not exist. If everything happens somewhere and sometime to someone else in the world, then no lies are possible.
The theme of the story is evident in Gimpel’s philosophy. The truth is the only factor of human communication as lies cannot exist. The truth can be everywhere and lies, therefore, can be nowhere. This makes the theme, in regard to Gimpel, of the story: truth can only lead to a respectable life. Gimpel chooses to believe everything told to him and is therefore respected later in life for not fooling others.
The evolution of Gimpel’s character in relation to the world around him is most impressive in the story. While the rest of the world insists on being cruel to him, Gimpel is admirable for not striking back against his antagonists (especially when he is tempted to do so). In the beginning, Gimpel is perceived as his name suggests, a fool. By the end of the story, the reader sees the title is a misnomer, where Gimpel is the wisest of everyone. Not only is this admirable, but a large degree of sentiment is also created for Gimpel as well. As a whole, Singer’s story is provocative in how truth and falseness are regarded in daily life and Gimpel is Singer’s “prophet” on that view. Gimpel, by living a life where lies do not exist, shows the reader that there can only be truth and the absence of truth, never something that is false.
Molly, Kevin, and Nate, seniors
November 13, 2009 at 1:31 pm |
Joyce Oates’s “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is both amusing and chilling, and, based on the fashion and popular culture present, takes place in the 1970s. Connie, the protagonist, is a stereotypical fifteen-year-old girl who is concerned with her pretty appearance and popularity. She spends much of her time hanging out with her friends at the mall, or watching movies at the drive-in. One day, two men arrive at Connie’s house, saying that they would like to take her for a ride in their car. Connie soon realizes that the men are not who they say they are, and that she should think twice about leaving with them.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy Oates’s short story, and will be entertained as they watch Connie change from a flirty, and even annoying, character to an unfortunate victim. Oates does a spectacular job at portraying the exposition and rising action parts of the story with a light-hearted, simple tone, and then shifting to a tenser and more gripping atmosphere. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is a highly entertaining read.
Ron, senior
November 13, 2009 at 1:34 pm |
“How to Become a Writer,” by Lorrie Moore, is a particular story about how the author becomes a writer (fictitiously, that is; it is not a literal account of how she, Moore, became a writer). The story is written in the uncommon point of view of 2nd person, where ‘you’ is the subject, instead of ‘I’ or ‘he/she’ (first person and third person respectively). It is presented as a ’self-help’ story describing how one may successfully become a writer.
The plot regards the life of the author, Francie, and her growing aspiration to enter the writing field. She poignantly begins by mentioning the first step is early disillusionment in trying to shoot for a great career at an early age, “say, fourteen,” and also refuting her English teacher’s criticism on plot in her writing, since “Plots are for dead people…” It continues as Francie applies for a child psychology major in college, having found that she was great with kids in her babysitting jobs. It is only when she mistakenly gets placed in a creative writing instead of an ornithology course (i.e. bird-watching) that her writing passion is renewed. She becomes engrossed in the class and eventually abandons her psychology major. Continuing with her college life, her attempts at writing are mentioned, with emphasis on her derision of plot. The story continues through her life, detailing her attempt at going to law school and `her eventual settlement into the career of an unknown author. Other than this narration, the story is plot-free and driven by no particular (or obvious) conflict nor recurring characters. Francie’s life is only as clear as the “self-help” narration describes it, and therefore limited in scope. Though proof of Francie’s brazen and erratic nature, the second person view only shows what the “manual” mentions, limiting the story.
“How to Become a Writer” is certainly a walk off the beaten path in terms of fiction; the rarity of second person stories alone accounts for this particularity. The work is certainly not meant to be taken seriously given that the eventual outcome of the course of actions made by Francie lead to destitution (how to not become a writer), not to mention certain ridiculous elements that give the story humor. Other than wittiness and clarity in presentation (it is clear to see what is going on at all points, with little questioning or inferring for the reader), there is little else to be regarded about the story. Its lack of plot, conflict and poignant theme create a particularly shallow story. If it were to be more heavily interpreted, the outlook on the story’s message seems very negative towards authors, given that “how to become a writer” consists of denials, mistakes and destitution. It can only be assumed then that the title is a misnomer. If that’s the case though, then the message is unclear, or more specifically, a big joke with no meaning whatsoever than being meaningless since the title intrinsically tells what is going on. If the title is a joke on the theme, the theme is a joke also since the title, in this case, outlines the story and its theme. But if the title is truly serious, than the work is a means of insult to every aspiring author.
Nate, senior
November 13, 2009 at 3:27 pm |
Set in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien, catalogs the struggles and efforts of a patrol of soldiers lead by First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. Cross and his men endeavor to carry all their equipment, themselves, and each other through the sylvan horrors of war. Cross personally struggles to leave his mundane, state-side dreams behind, and is shocked out of his reveries by a death that he ultimately blames on himself.
O’Brien alternates between the actual events of the story and profound paragraphs about what the men carried on their persons throughout Vietnam. Through the use of these passages, O’Brien characterizes the soldiers amidst a plot that wouldn’t otherwise present the opportunity. The reader gets to know the characters under the war-hardened shells of each soldier, and this deeper knowledge makes the disturbing events of the plot all the more real and gripping. From the exact weight and specifics of each thing they carried to the mental burden of the war, O’Brien sets the tone and pulls the reader into the minds and toiling bodies of the soldiers in the Vietnam War. This immersive world, an intense plot, and a grueling person vs. self conflict amidst the horrors of war make “The Things They Carried” a gut-wrenching yet thought-provoking read.
Nick, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:26 pm |
In “The Dead,” by James Joyce, a far more serious topic is veiled behind the festive mask of the annual Christmas party at the home of the Morkan sisters. Behind the dances and alcohol and singing and feasting, there is an undercurrent of the theme of the inherent transience of love, and how quickly love can be lost, but never forgotten. For the first part of this short story, Gabriel and Gretta Conroy appear to be the happiest couple alive. But this all changes in a moment with a song.
As Gabriel and Gretta discuss Gretta’s sudden mood change at the party, Gabriel discovers what truly upset her. Even as Gabriel spoke at the party on lost love and memories from youth, and the need to move on, he never fully realized how much this message meant to Gretta. Gretta has had a past that Gabriel never knew, though he would in one short evening come to a stark realization.
Stretching from a jovial party, which only an Irishman such as Joyce can fully describe, to the privacy and intimacy of a hotel room, where secrets from the past come to modern life, this short story is a compelling read. Joyce is effective at alternating between a light, jesting mood, to the somber and harsh realities of life, allowing an effective transition from one half of the story to another, which are set in juxtaposition to each other, and allow a more complete understanding of the relationship between Gabriel and Gretta, as well as a more complete understanding of human relationships as a whole.
Sam, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:28 pm |
Katherine Mansfield’s short story “Bliss” tells of Bertha Young’s dinner party and the day leading up to it. This short story centers around Bertha’s conflict with herself about whether or not it is right that she should be so happy. The story is simplistic, yet effective. The first person narration of this story is particularly catching. It is narrated from a Bertha’s first person point of view. The style of Mansfield is very conversational, which makes it seem as though Bertha is talking directly to the reader.
In the beginning, this story seems light-hearted, almost as if it the plot was going to be minimal. It is, however, engaging and a really good read. There is a slight surprise, which changes the tone of story.
Cassidy, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:30 pm |
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is an indelible and shocking story. Taking place on a June morning in the town square of a small village, locals begin to prepare for their annual “lottery” in strange ways. For instance, children begin to wander around the village to gather stones. Among laughter and local gossip, families of the village draw slips of paper from a ballot box until one of the main characters, Bill Hutchinson, draws his name. All the members of the Hutchinson family then draw their names until someone receives the ballot with a black dot. The receiver of the black dot is the winner of the town lottery and must now face the town’s lottery prize.
“The Lottery’s” powerful lessons and thrilling ending make this story a must read. “The Lottery’s” use of juxtaposition allows the the story’s deep and dark messages to be conveyed through a casual, civil surface. The shocking and spine-chilling ending seems out of place for such a peaceful and civil atmosphere of the local village. After reading “The Lottery,” one is shown both the dark side of human behavior and the true dangers of out-dated ritual behavior. “The Lottery” also portrays irony when dealing with one of the main characters, Tessie Hutchinson. Tessie arrives late to the annual event while possessing a careless attitude about the traditional lottery. She possesses no fear or care about the event as she is confident she will not be chosen as the lottery winner. Much to her surprise, Tessie is impacted the most by the annual lottery.
Molly, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:31 pm |
“Friend of My Youth” by Alice Munro is a reflection of the narrator’s life. She reminisces on her childhood when she and her mother lived with the Grieves family. The story moves into the past, depicting the interactions between the narrator and her mother with the Grieves. Her mother becomes particularly good friends with one member of the family, and they become very close. “Friend of My Youth” focuses mainly on the relationship between the narrator’s mother and her new friend, Flora, and how they became separated over the years. The narrator plays a relatively small part in the story, and serves mainly to recount the happenings between her mother and Flora. By the ending, the story shifts back into the present time in which the narrator describes her mother’s death and the letters she found from Flora. “Friend of My Youth” is a beautiful story, woven with love and friendship, and how those things can change overtime.
“Friend of My Youth” is an excellent read. It is not thrilling or exciting, but dramatic as it follows the lives of a group of people, which makes the story realistic. The theme that friendship can still exist even when apart drives the story’s plot. The story’s meaningful lessons about friendship and love make it a great read for people of any age. The characters are realistic and relatable, and the story’s concepts are applicable to the real world. It is an amazing read that no one should miss.
Kevin, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:34 pm |
James Joyce’s short story “The Boarding House” is a tale set in a tenement run by Mrs. Mooney in Dublin, Ireland. After the death of Mrs. Mooney’s father, her husband turned to alcohol, leaving Mrs. Mooney to take control of her own life as well as a boarding home. Mrs. Mooney also lives in the tenement with her beautiful daughter, Polly. When Mrs. Mooney hears news that Polly had relations with one of the house’s tenants, Mr. Doran, tensions rise in the house, and Mrs. Mooney sets out to ensure that Mr. Doran does right by her only daughter.
This brief tale manages to delve into the forbidden desires and passions of two lovers, as well as the anxiety felt by the mother as a result of the romance. Joyce, though he uses third-person narration, presents the perspective of Mrs. Mooney, Polly, and Mr. Doran to display the different effects the affair had on the three, vastly different characters. “The Boarding House” takes on the classic plot line of taboo romances and protective parents and, in only a few pages, crafts this timeless set of events into an original and intriguing story.
Katie, senior
November 13, 2009 at 6:36 pm |
“The Things They Carried” is the first chapter of the book entitled The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. The story is about a platoon of soldiers who are fighting in Vietnam. The protagonist, Jimmy Cross, is conflicted with himself. He has letters from his love at home. He doesn’t think his love actually loves him based upon the fact that when they were on a date he tried to get intimate and she denied him. Jimmy’s inner conflict weighs him down all throughout the story as does the other things that the rest of soldiers are carrying with them, such as drugs with Lavender and a Bible with Kiowa. Each item that the men carry does something different for them whether it bring relief or downfall to the character.
The items that each soldier carries differentiates them from one another. Kiowa is a religious character and this can be inferred based on the fact that he is always carrying his Bible. Lavender is brought down by his drugs that give him relief. Eventually, the drugs catch up with Lavender in a way he could not have seen, even being sober. The letters for Cross bring him down in that all he thinks about is whether of not his girlfriend loves him. Eventually, this obsession with the letters brings about the worst case scenario for him and his soldiers.
Vinnie, senior
November 16, 2009 at 2:30 pm |
Shirley Jackson’s “Lottery” is a unique and climactic story set in a small, mundane town. It was a beautiful June day, and the local town is gathering in the square to participate in the annual lottery that has been held for as long as anyone can remember. The woman gather to gossip about who will be chosen while the children collect stones off to the side. When the ceremony begins the families huddle together, and one man from each family chooses a piece of paper. After all the men have chosen and peered at their paper they search trough the sea of townsmen to discover that Bill Hutchinson has drawn the black dot. Next each member of the Hutchinson family must draw again to see who will be the winner of this year’s lottery.
The irony and tension within this story makes it both thrilling and surprising. Jackson was able to display the negative effects of ancient rituals in a town set in the past. While the towns around them may be stepping out of the harmful past, the idea of leaving behind such a time-honored tradition seems completely ludicrous to the people of this town. Jackson shows that archaic rituals, such as the one displayed within her story, have no place in a modern society, yet they continue to be performed out of superstitious beliefs. Twists within what may seem to be a simple story of a town’s “lottery” turn into a shocking ending sure to leave all readers speechless.
Mary, senior