Episode Seven: ”O’Henry” Endings with Hemingway, Jackson, and Borges

This episode deals with “O’Henry” endings from Ernest Hemingway’s “A Day’s Wait,” Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” and Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Gospel According to Mark.” The meaning of this type of ending is explained, and the stories are explained as ones for which a second reading is such a pleasurable experience, as this second reading is so different than the first, once one is armed with knowledge of the thrilling plot twists that accompany the endings. Discussion further centers on archetypal masculinity as illustrated in Hemingway’s story, Pete’s doubly-pleasant surprise in reading Jackson’s story, and the power of Borges’ ending being built through his finely-placed literary breadcrumbs. Allusions to Marge Simpson’s love for Bart, Ethan Hawke’s involuntary reaction to betrayal in “Training Day,” and a subtle Sopranos reference help to illuminate the powerful endings, and are in no way gratuitous...right?

 

Authors Mentioned and Allusions and Songs Referenced During the Episode:

"The Gift of the Magi"

"Plot Twist" by Marc. E Bassy (Marc. E Bassy)

"The Gospel According to Mark" found in the October 23, 1971 Issue of The New Yorker

Shirley Jackson's short story “The Lottery,” first published in the June 26,1948, issue of The New Yorker 

Marge and "Little Boy Barty" (#6 on the list)