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)
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Episode 131 with Alice Elliott Dark, Brilliant Chronicler of the Specific and Universal, Writer of ”In the Gloaming,” Best Short Stories of the Century, and the New Epic Novel, Fellowship Point
Episode 130 with Dan Grunfeld, Former College and Pro Basketball Standout
Episode 129 with Sam Quinones, Highly-Acclaimed Journalist, Storyteller, and Author of the Acclaimed Books Dreamland and The Least of Us, and True Tales from Another Mexico
Episode 128 with Vania Patino, Journalistic Prodigy and Thorough and Reflective Reporter
Episode 127 with Raina Kelley, Innovative, Creative Storyteller and Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Andscape
Episode 126 with Kevin Owens, Author of Overseas Famous, Owner of Countless Classic Stories about Playing Ball Overseas, and Founder of Overseas Famous, LLC
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Episode 122 with Sonora Reyes, Keen Observer and Chronicler of Young Adult Stories, Creator and Host of the Twitter Chat #QPOCChat, and Author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
Episode 121 with Michael Torres, Crafter of Profound and Musical Lines, Master of Imagery and Pathos, and Author of the Award-Winning Poetry Collection, An Incomplete List of Names
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Episode 119 with Deesha Philyaw, Master Storyteller, Builder of Intrigue, Skilled Worldbuilder, and Craftswoman of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, Winner of the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction
Episode 118 with SJ Sindu, Master Storyteller, Versatile Writer of Varied Texts, and Author of Blue Skinned Gods, ”a rich, beautifully told and moving” Work
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Episode 116 with Noel Casler, Standout Artist, Creative, Podcaster, and Standup Comedian with 25 Years of Experience in TV and Production, Including The Celebrity Apprentice
Episode 115 with Jennifer Fliss, Flash Fiction Star and Master of Signifying So Much by Writing So Little
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