Dead Stars Symbolism The ‘Dead Stars’ represent a presence that is unrecognized. It speaks of emotions and relationships that may exist but are not realized and lose their real meaning and significance. In the story, the attraction between Alfredo and Julia is a forbidden and taboo phenomenon. They both felt is to be real but … Read more
Love and Infatuation Love is the dominant theme of the story. Alfredo loved Esperanza and she believed in his love to marry him. Alfredo thought he and Julia loved each other but had to sacrifice their taboo affair. Alfredo still retained the flame for Julia only to learn that all this time he never understood … Read more
Main Characters Alfredo Salazar He is a lawyer and a man who is afflicted with the love of two women, his wife Esperanza and another woman Julia Salas. His father Don Julian is a wealthy man and takes him with himself on his visits to Judge Del Valle. It is here that Alfredo meets Julia. … Read more
Sadao Hoki – The Surgeon This is a story of triumphant compassion that rises above petty differences, obscure biases, and incurable hatred. The story revolves around a surgeon named Sadao Hoki. Born in Japan, his first hero was his father who toiled for his son’s needs and bright future. Young Sadao goes to America to learn … Read more
Gessler: The Shoemakers The story is about two siblings, German shoemakers who were known for their shoe-manship. They ran a rustic and traditional place and made bespoke boots as per a specific order. Their quaint shop had a small display of their finest works. It was titled after their family name. The story is written from the perspective of a loyal … Read more
A Recent Flood The story is set in China where a recent flood has caused mass relocation and uprooting of a complete population of peasants from their lands and home. In the fallout of such catastrophe, they are forced to trudge forlornly towards the alien contours of the capital city and its very different life. … Read more
‘Memories of Childhood’ is actually a tale with two real-life stories of women named Zitkala Sa (Native American) and Bama (Tamilian Dalit). The Cutting of My Long Hair The story foregrounds the racial hate and atmosphere of otherness that existed toward American Indians or Native Americans in America. The protagonist Zitkala Sa (Simmons) is a Native American … Read more
Introduction Louis Fischer included Indigo in Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s biography. The chapter narrates how Gandhiji became a beacon of hope for poor peasants of Champaran and took their fight to the English landlords in a civilized, non-violent but still revolutionary way. Meeting the Mahatma The account begins with Fischer traveling to a place called Sevagram, a hospice run by … Read more
In the short story “I Sell My Dreams” Gabriel Marquez highlights the need of certain superstitious beliefs that human beings crave and depend on. The Seaside tragedy The story begins at Havana Riviera Hotel. The narrator was enjoying breakfast with his friends when some cars got hauled up by a crushing wave right in front of them. The wreckage flew … Read more
Story of Ranga The story Ranga’s Marriage is narrated by Shyama, a concerned inhabitant of Hosahalli which is located in the state of Mysore (before Independence). Shyama is enamored with the place, its beauty, and its people. He loves the mango trees, the village pond and the creeper looking over it. He finds it unfortunate that … Read more
