Dubliners by James Joyce
Even though the setting of the story takes place many years ago, similarities among today’s youth still hold true. In James Joyce’s story, “An Encounter,” three young boys decide to play “hooky” from school. They were filled with anticipation of their impeding journey. When one of the boys is a ‘no show,’ the other two continue with their plan. As their day continues, they encounter many sights and sounds, which adds life to the story. An unexpected visitor brings a sense of tension and apprehension into the story. In today’s world, children are still playing “hooky” from school and people with perversions are still seeking out innocent children. Despite where you are in this world or how much time has passed, many things remain the same as the year’s progress. Joyce’s use of adjectives throughout the story brought it to life in my mind’s eye since every sentence could be visualized.
The Anthology of Really Short Stories by Jerome Stern
I’ve found that Jerome Stern’s short stories to be very entertaining. They were short, concise and to the point. Within each story the reader is able to gain a true understanding of the main character. Whether it’s a feeling of humor in the misinterpretation in “Wrong Channel” or the depressing feelings of the substitute teacher in the story “Waiting” the author creates realism in the story. As the reader, you can empathize with each characters situation. In life we all tried to run away from our problems, have been involved with a person who turns out to be a jerk, hated a job but found the need to stay and found ourselves guilt of miscommunication. It’s all part of life, but hopefully it allows us to grow.
Even though the setting of the story takes place many years ago, similarities among today’s youth still hold true. In James Joyce’s story, “An Encounter,” three young boys decide to play “hooky” from school. They were filled with anticipation of their impeding journey. When one of the boys is a ‘no show,’ the other two continue with their plan. As their day continues, they encounter many sights and sounds, which adds life to the story. An unexpected visitor brings a sense of tension and apprehension into the story. In today’s world, children are still playing “hooky” from school and people with perversions are still seeking out innocent children. Despite where you are in this world or how much time has passed, many things remain the same as the year’s progress. Joyce’s use of adjectives throughout the story brought it to life in my mind’s eye since every sentence could be visualized.
The Anthology of Really Short Stories by Jerome Stern
I’ve found that Jerome Stern’s short stories to be very entertaining. They were short, concise and to the point. Within each story the reader is able to gain a true understanding of the main character. Whether it’s a feeling of humor in the misinterpretation in “Wrong Channel” or the depressing feelings of the substitute teacher in the story “Waiting” the author creates realism in the story. As the reader, you can empathize with each characters situation. In life we all tried to run away from our problems, have been involved with a person who turns out to be a jerk, hated a job but found the need to stay and found ourselves guilt of miscommunication. It’s all part of life, but hopefully it allows us to grow.