Short stories summaries and reviews

Roman Fever-Edith Wharton

The story begins with Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley taking their daughters around the United States. The story describes how the women spend their time and their actions. The mothers talk about their life when they were younger and their relationship with their parents. The rest of the story follows the girls and displays mixed emotions between characters. I feel the "big picture" of the story was competition and jealousy among friends.

Vividness-Perceived as bright and distinct.

Prophetic-Of, belonging to, or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy

Prudent-Wise in handling practical matters, exercising good judgment or common sense

Amid-Surrounded by in the middle of.

Begrudge-To envy the possession or enjoyment of

My Brother's Keeper-Jay Bennett

My Brother's Keeper by Jay Bennett begins with Jaime, "pledging to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." This story revolves around a court case in which Jaime is describing how he had hit a man while driving in his car and the distress it had put him through.

Unclenched-To loosen from a clenched position

Overwhelming-Overpowering in effect or strength

Fiercely-Having a savage and violent nature

Alibi-A form of defense whereby a defendant attempts to prove that he or she was elsewhere when the crime in question was committed

Calamity-Dire distress resulting from loss or tragedy

The Day of the Last Rock Fight-Joseph Whitehall

This story is about a young boy, Ronnie Quiller, who is writing a letter to his father asking whether or not he can return from an academy. Ronnie describes the rock fight in which one of his friends is killed. This story made me think about friendships and truth and helped me realize the importance of life. The story follows Ronnie and what happened after the death.

Bluff-To mislead or deceive

Beckoning-To signal or summon, as by nodding or waving

Hunkered-To squat close to the ground; crouch

Quail-Any of various similar or related New World birds, such as the bobwhite

Vicious-Having the nature of vice; evil, immoral, or depraved

The Pin- Chris Crutcher

The Pin is a story about a young boy named Kevin who has a strong rivalry with his father. It all surrounds around wrestling in which his father excelled. Kevin is never good enough for his father and this sparks conflict throughout the entire story.

Terminally-Of, at, relating to, or forming a limit, boundary, extremity, or end

Miraculous-Of the nature of a miracle; preternatural

Protocol-The forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state

Appendage-Something added or attached to an entity of greater importance or size; an adjunct

Furrows-A long, narrow, shallow trench made in the ground by a plow

The Lottery-Shirley Jackson

The Lottery is a twisted story about a town that holds a annual lottery in which the "winner" is stoned to death. The story begins with a description of the town and a collection of rocks for the rock pile. Mr. Summers conducted the lottery, which consisted of the drawing of names out of a box. The person whose name is drawn with a dot is the one killed.

Hesitation-The state of being hesitant

Humorlessly-Acting without humor

Gravely-Requiring serious thought; momentous

Chronological-Arranged in order of time of occurrence

Regret-To feel sorry, disappointed, or distressed about