Short Stories

In "Death by Scrabble" by Charlie Fish, the husband character is portrayed as frustrated and annoyed with his wife. He is paranoid and becomes increasingly obsesses with the idea that his wife is attempting to harm him. Ultimately, he meets a twisted fate driven by his own thoughts and actions.

Jiya is a young boy who is determined to become a fisherman like his father, while Kino is an older, experienced fisherman. Jiya is still learning the skills needed for fishing, while Kino is more knowledgeable and skilled in handling the challenges of the sea. Additionally, Jiya is more impulsive and emotional, while Kino is more calm and experienced in his decision-making.

The satire in "The Devil and Tom Walker" pokes fun at Tom's greed and hypocrisy, highlighting his flawed character. This makes the reader interpret Tom as a symbol of the corrupting influences of materialism and greed, leading to his ultimate downfall due to his moral shortcomings.

The climax in the short story "A Television Drama" by Jane Rule occurs when the protagonist, Doris, confronts her husband about his affair and makes a decision about the future of their marriage. This moment is significant as it leads to a turning point in the story where Doris takes control of her own life and asserts her independence.

In "The Destructors" by Graham Greene, the house that the boys destroy, Mr. Thomas's home, can be seen as a symbol of values, money, and beauty. By destroying it, the boys are rebelling against these societal norms and traditional values. The destruction of the house represents a rejection of the materialism and pretense associated with wealth and beauty.

The main character in the short story "Cookies at Midnight" is a young girl who sneaks into the kitchen to eat cookies with her grandmother at midnight. Through this simple act, the girl forms a special bond with her grandmother and shares a memorable moment together.

Yes, "heart of gold" is a metaphor that describes someone as kind, generous, and caring. It symbolizes someone who has a warm and loving nature.

The narrator of "Three Skeleton Key" chose to work in an isolated lighthouse because they enjoyed the solitude and peacefulness of the remote location. They found the job to be a welcome escape from the noise and crowds of the city. Additionally, they were drawn to the sense of adventure and mystery that came with living in such a desolate place.

After Harrison is shot in the story, the mood shifts from one of tension and anticipation to one of shock and sadness. The previously electrifying atmosphere of the story is replaced with a sense of loss and despair as characters come to terms with the consequences of the shooting.

The quote "They will come across some unexpected things before they see each other again" summarizes the theme of friendship enduring through hardship and also foreshadows the challenges and twists that the two friends will face before being reunited.

The narrator starts because the description of the gradual condensation of an atmosphere creates a sense of foreboding and unease. It suggests a looming threat or change that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story.

The theme of "Hum" by Naomi Shihab Nye revolves around the power and beauty of ordinary moments and everyday interactions. The poem celebrates the simplicity and interconnectedness of life, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and meaning in the mundane. Nye highlights the potential for wonder and harmony in our everyday experiences.

"Harvest of Corruption" by Frank Ogodo Ogbeche is a play that exposes the rampant corruption in Nigeria. The plot revolves around Chief Haladu Ade-Amaka, a corrupt government official, who abuses his power for personal gain. Themes include corruption, abuse of power, greed, justice, and the consequences of unethical behavior.

Old Scratch, also known as the Devil, is a character in "The Devil and Tom Walker" by Washington Irving. He is a cunning and deceptive figure who tempts Tom Walker with wealth and power in exchange for his soul. Old Scratch represents temptation and the consequences of making deals with evil forces.

Three key strengths are: clear communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

The children are initially scared and curious when they see Rip Van Winkle because of his unkempt appearance and outdated clothing. Once they realize he means no harm, they become fascinated by his stories and enjoy his company.

The theme of "Distance to Andromeda" by Jose Brillantes is a contemplation of the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of human existence in comparison. The poem reflects on the mysteries of space and time, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of understanding the unknown. Brillantes uses imagery of the cosmos to inspire wonder and introspection about humanity's place in the universe.

The theme of Juan Pica's story is about the power of determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles and achieve success. It highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one's passions despite challenges and setbacks.

Aunt Sophia in "The Chieftest Mourner" is characterized as dutiful, traditional, and loyal. She upholds family values and responsibilities, particularly toward her deceased sister, to the point of sacrificing her own happiness for the family's reputation.

The narrator describes Rip's great error as his tendency to be idle and avoid responsibility. Rip is depicted as a man who shirks work and his duties as a husband and father, choosing instead to spend his days wandering and engaging in leisurely activities. This choice ultimately leads to his isolation and disconnection from society.

The narrator of "Rip Van Winkle" describes Rip's great error as being his lack of ambition and industriousness, which leads to him neglecting his responsibilities and being idle. This ultimately results in him being unproductive and unhelpful to his family and community.

Miss Strangeworth means to convey that people should conduct themselves with kindness, courtesy, and a sense of decency in their interactions with others. She values politeness and good manners as essential qualities for harmonious living in the community. However, the irony lies in the fact that Miss Strangeworth's outward behavior contradicts her own advice, as she secretly spreads malicious rumors and discord among her neighbors.

In the short story "Service" by Colin Nissan, Anna is described as having a "career-threatening haircut" and owning a "gigantic quiet" to describe her physical appearance. She is also portrayed as having a downturned mouth with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose.

In "Raymond's Run," Squeaky's protective nature towards her brother Raymond, such as looking out for him during races and feeling a responsibility to take care of him, demonstrates her love for him. Additionally, Squeaky understands Raymond's unique communication style and behavior, showing her patience and empathy towards his childish ways.

Saki uses dramatic irony to develop the theme of the story in "The Interlopers." By setting up a situation where both characters believe they have the upper hand in a longstanding feud, Saki creates tension and emphasizes the futility of their conflict. The ultimate twist highlights the irony of their situation and reinforces the theme of the story.