Short Stories

This follows Scrooges query when they stood in the Cratchit household on Christmas Morning. Scrooge sees Tiny Tim and asks of his further, the ghost states I see an empty chair by the fire and a crutch without an owner. Scrooge is horrified to realise that Tim is destined to die. The Ghost rebukes Scrooges plea to say that is not so by saying "If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race,'' returned the Ghost, will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.''

A story theme is the central idea or message that the author conveys through the narrative. It often explores universal truths about life, human nature, or society, such as love, power, redemption, or the passage of time. Themes provide deeper meaning and allow readers to connect with the story on a more profound level.

Two Christmas carols that mention angels are "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." Both songs celebrate the role of angels in announcing the birth of Jesus.

"Dead Stars" is a short story by Filipino writer Paz Marquez Benitez that explores the themes of love, disillusionment, and societal expectations. The resolution of the story occurs when the protagonist, Alfredo Salazar, realizes the depth of his feelings for Esperanza and the consequences of his actions on her and himself. Ultimately, Alfredo's nostalgia for his lost youth and unrequited love lead to a profound sense of regret and melancholy.

The two brothers story is a tale of sibling rivalry and reconciliation that explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and forgiveness. It often features two brothers who are very different from each other but ultimately learn to appreciate and respect each other's strengths and differences. This story has been a popular motif in various cultures and literature, illustrating the complexities of family relationships.

"The Day the World Almost Came to an End" by Pearl Crayton is a short story that captures the fear and panic that spreads through a rural African American community when a young boy sees a mushroom cloud on the horizon, leading them to believe that the world is ending. The story explores themes of resilience, community, and the impact of fear on individuals facing an unknown threat. Ultimately, the community comes together to find comfort and strength in each other amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

After meeting the king, Makato's life changed significantly. He gained new opportunities, influence, and resources that were previously unavailable to him. He now had a greater sense of power and responsibility, with the potential to impact the lives of many people.

The setting of "Makato and the Cowrie Shell" is a traditional African village where Makato lives. The story is set in a lush and vibrant environment, with elements of nature playing a significant role in the plot. The cultural customs and values of the village are also central to the setting of the story.

The setting of "all summer in a day" contributes to the story's mood by creating a sense of isolation and confinement. The constant rain on Venus emphasizes the oppressive atmosphere felt by the characters, intensifying the feelings of longing and desperation. The setting serves as a metaphor for the emotional darkness experienced by the children who have never seen the sun.

In "The Trap" by Kerima Polotan, the conflict arises from the main character's struggle between her duty to her family and her desire for independence. She faces pressure from her parents to conform to societal expectations, while also yearning to carve out her own path in life. This inner conflict drives the narrative forward and highlights the tension between tradition and individuality.

The main conflict in the story of "Tangled" is between Rapunzel, who wants to see the world outside her tower, and Mother Gothel, who wants to keep Rapunzel isolated and under her control. This conflict represents the struggle between freedom and captivity.

The moral lesson of the story "Makato and the Corals" is that honesty and integrity are important virtues that should be upheld, even in the face of temptation. Makato's decision to return the magical coral shell to its rightful owner demonstrates the value of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult.

In the story of the two brothers, practicing forgiveness, understanding, and compromise can demonstrate unity and harmony. By overcoming conflicts and working together towards common goals, the brothers can show how differences can be set aside for the greater good. Additionally, showing empathy and support for each other's struggles can reinforce the bond of unity and harmony between them.

Tia Binay is a character in the Filipino short story "Dahong Palay" by Arturo B. Rotor. She is the wife of the protagonist, Mang Pablo, and serves as a symbol of the struggles and sacrifices made by women in rural settings. Tia Binay represents resilience and strength in the face of poverty and hardship.

In "Makato and the Cowrie Shell," Makato appears as a young, determined boy. He sets out on a journey to find a cowrie shell and eventually succeeds through his persistence and resourcefulness. The cowrie shell itself serves as a symbol of Makato's inner strength and resilience.

The climax of the story "Rice" by Manuel E. Arguilla is when the two brothers, Baldo and Crisostomo, finally reach their father's rice fields and discover that their father had passed away. This moment marks a turning point in the story, as the brothers must grapple with the reality of their father's death and the responsibilities that come with inheriting the rice fields.

Makato's great ambition was to become a successful entrepreneur and build a global business empire. He aimed to revolutionize the tech industry with innovative products and services.

The rising action of "Gentlemen of Rio en Medio" involves the conflict between the wealthy landowners of Rio en Medio and the peasant farmers who resist their exploitation. As tensions escalate, the peasants organize a protest against the unjust working conditions and demand better treatment. This leads to a confrontation between the two groups and sets the stage for the climax of the story.

The theme of the short story "Was it a Dream?" by Guy de Maupassant revolves around the blurred lines between reality and illusion, and the psychological effects of guilt and paranoia. The story raises questions about the nature of truth and the unreliability of perception.

Rip Van Winkle meets the stranger in the Catskill Mountains where they share a drink of the mysterious elixir. Rip falls into a deep sleep, and when he wakes up, he realizes that 20 years have passed and not much has changed except for his appearance. The stranger disappears, leaving Rip to cope with the changes in his life and society.

In the story "Midsummer" by Manuel Arguilla, the seducer is a young man named Andres, who tries to win over a girl named Esther through charm and persuasion. He is found to be manipulative and deceitful in his pursuit of Esther.

Zaroff's belief that he is superior to other humans and his desire to hunt them for sport demonstrates his prejudice. This prejudice influences our opinion of him by portraying him as a morally corrupt and dangerous individual who values his own pleasure above the lives of others.

The omniscient narration in "The Devil and Tom Walker" gives readers insight into the thoughts and motives of the characters, enhancing the story's meaning by providing a deeper understanding of their actions. It also helps to build suspense and tension by revealing information that the characters themselves may not know. Additionally, the omniscient narration contributes to the story's structure by weaving together different perspectives and allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the moral themes at play.

In the story "Marriage Is a Private Affair" by Chinua Achebe, the main dilemma faced by the characters is the clash between traditional beliefs and modern values. Nnaemeka's decision to marry a woman outside his father's tribe goes against his father's wishes and highlights the generational and cultural divide between them. This conflict creates tension and forces the characters to question their beliefs and priorities.