Short Story Summer Reading
Five Short Stories That Should be on One's College Prep Reading List
Jun 3, 2009 Cynthia Jones-Shoeman
No matter what college students choose to attend, chances are they'll have to take at least one literature class. And many introductory literature courses tend to teach several of the same short stories. Following find out why many of these stories are considered classics of American literature and why teaching them has never gone out of style.
Young Goodman Brown
Published in 1835, this story is often assigned in college classes because of its use of allegory. Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) wrote this story about a young Puritan who journeys through a deep, dark forest. While on the surface the story has a literal meaning that is easy to understand and follow, it also has an allegorical meaning (a symbolic subtext). Readers can enjoy the story on its literal level, but it is much more rewarding to dig beneath the surface; the story's theme of good versus evil can be read on many levels. Becoming familiar with events during Hawthorne's time (such as the Salem Witch Trials) will help with understanding the story's allegorical meaning.
Suite 101's Melissa Howard has analyzed this classic story in her article "Good & Evil in Young Goodman Brown: Nathaniel Hawthorne on Guilt Versus Innocence."
The Tell-Tale Heart
Edgar Allan Poe's (1809-1849) chilling story about a murderous narrator, published in 1843, is often a choice of professors because it is considered a classic horror story. Poe, known also for his detective stories and poetry, is loved for his horror stories. "The Tell-Tale Heart" is unusual, because--even though the story is narrated in first person--readers realize they can't rely on the narrator's sanity. Poe is a master of suspense and tension, and perhaps those qualities are another reason why this story is assigned in literature classes over and over.
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Ambrose Bierce (1842-c. 1914) wrote this story in three parts. Published in 1891, this story is set during the Civil War. The story appears to be about a Confederate man who is being hanged for working against the Union. But the story has a surprising twist ending. While there are many short stories well known for their surprises, Bierce's dwells on a belief pervasive to our collective consciousness: that, when facing death, people see their lives flash before their eyes. Finally, the fact that Bierce telegraphs much of the later revelation early in story lends itself to some lively class discussions.
The Open Boat
Stephen Crane's (1871-1900) classic story is well-known because the plot is based on something similar that happened to Crane (he was stranded at sea earlier that year, 1897). However, it is not just a simple autobiographical story retold as fiction; it deals vividly with the theme of man versus nature as well as the relationships of the men in the boat as they struggle to survive.
The Lottery
Shirley Jackson (1916-1965) wrote this chilling tale which deals with a seemingly contemporary community; however, this fictional group of people participates in a horrific ritual year after year. Like Bierce's "Occurrence," "The Lottery" encourages students to read the story a second time, looking for clues to the end that they missed the first time. More than one student will likely ask why a group of people could behave in such a way.
Discussions About Humanity
All of these stories are not only considered classics but are staples of the college classroom because each one encourages thoughtful discussion about the nature of humankind. Each story looks at the darker side of people and negativity and allows students to explore these themes in a safe, fictional environment.
Not only do these stories prepare students for college literature classes, they are also considered classics because they are enjoyable reading even today. Many students find themselves reading these stories over and over, and not just because they are assigned reading. If any students needs to prepare for college this fall, these stories are a good place to start. But these stories may also fit the bill for some good old-fashioned summer reading.
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