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)
Episode 54 with the Thorough, Reflective, Intrepid, Wellspring of Knowledge, Journalist and Author Ioan Grillo
Episode 53 with Thoughtful and Observant Journalist, Magazine Editor, and Memoirist, Cassandra Lane, Author of We are Bridges: A Memoir
"Writing on the Wall" by The Philharmonik-World Premiere
Episode 52 with The Philharmonik, Deep Thinker, Excellent Lyricist, and Standout Musician
Episode 51 with Actor and Powerful Poet, Marinna Benzon, Writer of Millennial Dogeater Chapbook
Episode 50 with the Witty, Insightful Writer of Black Card and Zero Fade, Chris L. Terry
Episode 49 with The Fun and Well-Read and Witty Fernandez Brothers, Hosts of The Brothers F Bookcast
Episode 48 with Passionate Reader, Editor for Edizioni Sur and Italian Translator for Many American/British Writers, Including David Foster Wallace
Episode 47 with Journalist, Researcher, and the Thoughtful Author of The Eagles of Heart Mountain, Bradford Pearson
Episode 46 with Editor, Life-long Learner, Translator, and Renaissance Woman, Rowena Galavitz
Episode 45 with Engaging and Thoughtful Vice News Journalist and Multimedia Standout, Keegan Hamilton
Episode 44 with Brillante Maestra y Escritora de (My Mother is a Superhero/¡Mi Mama es Una Superheroína) Children's Book
Episode 43 with Award-Winning, Humorous and Generous Nonfiction and Fiction Writer, Author of Recent Powerhouse The House of Broken Angels
Episode 42, A Wonderful Discussion about Art and Creativity with the Renaissance Man, Edoardo Ballerini, of Audiobook, Sopranos, and Film Writing Fame
Episode 41 with Dynamic Author of the Thrilling, Heartfelt, and Profound, YA Novel, Throw, Ruben Degollado
Episode 40 with Brandon Hobson, Author of Exquisite and Thought-Provoking Fiction, Including 2021 Blockbuster, The Removed
Episode 39 with Outstanding Prose Poet and Surrealist, Jose Hernandez Diaz
Episode 38: A Conversation with the Reflective, Dynamic, Profound Educator and Poet, F. Douglas Brown
Episode 37 with Multi-Talented Writer of Sports and Fitness and Fatherhood, Jon Finkel
Episode 36 with the Well-Read Author of Coconut Versus and Los Angeles City College Professor Extraordinaire, Daniel Jose Ruiz
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