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Bewildering Stories

Challenge 370

Watch Where You’re Rowing

  1. In Kumar Pradhan’s “A Bit of Sky,” at what point can one say that Mr. Kshirsagar’s fate is sealed and that he misses his chance with Nilu once and for all? What quality or fault does he lack that might have enabled him to seize the moment?

  2. Thomas Lee Joseph Smith’s “Jason’s Log” satirizes certain modes of U.S. political discourse current in the early 21st century. What are they? Is the story “keyed”? That is, do any of the characters represent any political figures, or do they represent types?

  3. Arnold Hollander’s “It’s Raining” exploits an ambiguity peculiar to English grammar. Is the narrator of the poem male or female?

  4. Nick Allen’s “To a Casual Observer” emphasizes the hypothetical mode. In terms of perception and even science, what does the narrative suggest that a story written purely in the indicative mood would not?

  5. What story is implied in Marina J. Neary’s “A Royal Tea Party”? Explain the title of the poem.

  6. In Ásgrímur Hartmannsson’s “Zombieworld,” Sam’s captor says: “We will get you. It only takes a drop.” Can Sam be sure he hasn’t already been “gotten”?

Responses welcome!

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