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 91 with Annie McDermott, Passionate Translator of the Eccentric and Magnificent The Luminous Novel by Mario Levrero
Episode 90 with Bill Esparza, Writer for Eater LA, Fixer, Professional Musician, and Food Ambassador
Episode 89 with Luke Epplin, Writer of Nonfiction with the Best Qualities of Fiction, and Author of Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball
Episode 88 with Father Greg Boyle, S.J., Founder and Director of Homeboy Industries, the World‘s Largest Gang-Intervention and Rehabilitation Program
Episode 87 with Natalia Sylvester, Heartfelt Writer of Stirring Works for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Episode 86 with Mark Athitakis, Inquisitive Writer, Critic, and Chronicler of Literature for The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Many More
Episode 85 with Brett Marie, Multifaceted Artist, Aesthete, and Brilliant Writer of the Brilliant and Beautiful The Upsetter Blog
Episode 84 with Noah Hurowitz, Curious Reader, Journalist, and Author of 2021‘s El Chapo: The Untold Story Of The World‘s Most Infamous Drug Lord
Episode 83 with Larry Strauss, High School Educator, Mentor, Basketball Coach, and Writer for HuffPost, USA Today, and Author of November‘s Light Man novel and Many Other Books
Episode 82 with Sara Elkamel, Passionate and Profound Poet with an Artist‘s Soul and a Journalist‘s Eye for Detail
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Episode 80 with Dave Zirin, Journalist, Activist, Host of The Edge of Sports for The Nation, and Author of 2021‘s Important The Kaepernick Effect: Taking a Knee and Changing the World
Episode 79 with Matt Ortile, Keen Observer, Masterful Editor, and Profound and Witty Writer of The Groom Will Keep His Name
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Episode 76 with Mirin Fader, Heartfelt Chronicler, In-Depth Reporter, and Author of Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP, The New York Times Bestseller
Episode 75 with Marcos Bretón, Veteran Sportswriter, Insightful, Strong-Willed, and Honest Sacramento Bee Columnist, and McClatchy Company’s California Opinion Editor.
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