1.
The Third Level – Jack Finney
Introduction
This story blurs the line between fantasy and reality, exploring the human desire
to escape from the stresses of modern life.
Summary
The protagonist, Charley, discovers a mysterious "third level" at Grand Central
Station, which transports him back to 1894.
Charley is fascinated by the simplicity and charm of the past, contrasting it with
the complexities of his modern life.
He tries to buy old currency to permanently relocate to the past but fails. His
psychiatrist friend, Sam, dismisses his experience as an escape mechanism.
Later, Charley finds a letter from Sam, who has also discovered the third level and
chosen to stay in 1894. This leaves Charley questioning whether the third level is
a figment of his imagination or an actual portal to the past.
Themes
Nostalgia, escapism, the conflict between past and present, and psychological
complexity.
Keywords
Third level, nostalgia, escape, time travel, modern life, Grand Central Station.
2. The Tiger King – Kalki
Introduction
A satirical tale that critiques power, superstition, and human arrogance through
the life of a ruler obsessed with killing tigers.
Summary
The story revolves around the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, whose astrologers
predict his death will come from a tiger.
Determined to defy fate, he kills 99 tigers, believing this will prevent his death.
His vanity and arrogance lead to the exploitation of his subjects and the depletion
of the tiger population in his kingdom.
Ironically, the hundredth tiger is a wooden toy, which injures him and causes his
death, fulfilling the prophecy.
Themes
Arrogance, fate, irony, and the futility of trying to control life.
Keywords
Tiger, superstition, prophecy, arrogance, irony, fate.
3. Journey to the End of the Earth – Tishani Doshi
Introduction
This chapter narrates the author's expedition to Antarctica, reflecting on the
continent's significance in understanding Earth's history and future amidst climate
change.
Summary
The narrator embarks on an educational program, exploring the pristine environment
of Antarctica.
The chapter discusses the geological history of the continent, once part of the
supercontinent Gondwana, and its role in understanding global warming.
The author is deeply moved by the fragility of ecosystems and the
interconnectedness of life on Earth. The journey underscores the urgent need to
protect the environment.
Themes
Climate change, ecology, interdependence, and environmental preservation.
Keywords
Antarctica, Gondwana, climate change, global warming, ecology, preservation.
4. The Enemy – Pearl S. Buck
Introduction
This story explores themes of humanity, loyalty, and morality through the lens of
Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon during World War II.
Summary
Dr. Sadao Hoki and his wife, Hana, discover an injured American prisoner of war
washed ashore. Despite their loyalty to Japan, they decide to help him, risking
their lives.
Sadao skillfully operates on the man and nurses him back to health, facing moral
dilemmas and criticism from their servants.
Eventually, Sadao helps the soldier escape, torn between his duty to his country
and his compassion for a fellow human being.
Themes
Humanism, morality, conflict of duty, and the futility of war.
Keywords
War, compassion, humanity, morality, loyalty, conflict.
5. Should Wizard Hit Mommy? – John Updike
Introduction
This story delves into the parent-child relationship and the complexities of moral
storytelling.
Summary
Jack, a father, tells his daughter Jo bedtime stories involving a character named
Roger Skunk, who is ostracized for his bad smell.
In the story, Roger Skunk seeks help from a wizard to smell like roses, but his
mother forces him to revert to his original smell, believing in authenticity over
acceptance.
Jo disagrees with the ending, wanting the wizard to hit the mother, reflecting a
child's simplistic view of justice.
Jack insists on his ending, symbolizing the clash between childhood innocence and
adult wisdom.
Themes
Parent-child dynamics, individuality, justice, and moral education.
Keywords
Parenting, storytelling, justice, individuality, childhood vs. adulthood.
6. On the Face of It – Susan Hill
Introduction
This play focuses on disability, loneliness, and the power of human relationships
to bring about healing and self-acceptance.
Summary
The story revolves around Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a prosthetic leg, and
Derry, a teenage boy with a scarred face.
Derry initially isolates himself, believing his disfigurement makes him unworthy of
love. However, Mr. Lamb's positive attitude and philosophy about accepting life as
it comes help Derry gain confidence.
The play ends tragically when Mr. Lamb dies in an accident, leaving Derry inspired
but grappling with his newfound perspective on life.
Themes
Acceptance, overcoming prejudice, loneliness, and the power of companionship.
Keywords
Disability, loneliness, acceptance, relationships, healing, positivity.
7. Evans Tries an O-Level – Colin Dexter
Introduction
This story is a clever, humorous tale about an intelligent prisoner, Evans, and his
attempts to escape custody during an O-Level German exam.
Summary
Evans, known as "Evans the Break," is a cunning prisoner who carefully plans his
escape.
During the exam, he fakes an identity swap, outwitting the prison authorities with
meticulous planning.
Despite being recaptured, Evans escapes again, leaving the authorities baffled.
Themes
Intelligence, determination, deception, and human ingenuity.
Keywords
Escape, intelligence, prison, deception, planning, outsmarting.
8. Memories of Childhood – Zitkala-Sa and Bama
Introduction
This chapter comprises two excerpts, highlighting the experiences of oppression and
discrimination faced by marginalized communities.
Part 1: Zitkala-Sa
Zitkala-Sa, a Native American girl, narrates her forced assimilation into Western
culture at a boarding school.
Her long hair, a symbol of her identity, is cut against her will, symbolizing the
erasure of her heritage.
Part 2: Bama
Bama, a Dalit girl, recounts her experiences of caste-based discrimination in
India.
Despite societal challenges, she strives for education and independence,
highlighting the power of resilience.
Themes
Identity, discrimination, resilience, and cultural oppression.
Keywords
Oppression, discrimination, identity, caste, heritage, resilience.
