The Hole

The hole is a short story about a university professor at Waynflete Mental and Moral Philosophy who tries to find meaning of a hole in a doughnut. He has lunch at diner close to the university, and begins to think deeply about how a hole is formed in a doughnut. He begins to consider if the empty space is inside of the batter, but then disregards the fact. He believed that what you eat is the doughnut, and what is left behind afterwards is the space.

This begins the intellectual investigation of Professor Laidlaw, who falls into a trance. (and has done so on numerous occasions). He moves onto larger concepts, about the being of being, and the universe. He reaches such a level of thinking, that he dies. 

The Chess Match

The Chess Match is a very detailed short story about Page Calverly. Page is wealthy, independent, old man, eighty-six to be exact, and wonders what life has left for him. He worked as a stock broker for 21 years, saving enough money that he was deemed ‘comfortable’.  He has enough money that he can wear nice designer clothes, and own penthouse, while other seniors live in retirement homes, and wear shabby clothing. He demands respect, because he believes no matter his age, he is equal to anyone, old or young. He has seen it all; inventions, wars, peace. Page believes he made all the right plays, all the right moves in his life, as if it were a chess match. He’s lived so long that he is the last one alive from his generation, which he considers an achievement.  But news of his nephew’s death surprises him, as he was only 62.

The death made Page think a little of his will, because he himself had no children, he would have to leave it to his nieces and nephews. He doesn’t speak much to the remainder of his family, mostly because they aren’t his age. With this in mind, he never told anyone how his property and money were to be shared.

He arrived at the funeral, and was surrounded by weeping visitors, but a man of his age, becomes quite accustomed to these events.  He sat in the waiting room, as he couldn’t stand for a long period of time. He noticed a young man and woman come in, who slowly recognized to be his great-niece and great-nephew.  The man smiled towards Page’s direction, and looked away. Page wondered if the man recognized him as his great Uncle.  Later, they made the cortege to the cemetery.  By the time he reached the graveside, the coffin was already lowered into the ground, and many people began to return to their lives.

Page decided it was time to leave, and walked towards his car, but momentarily turned back to look at the grave, and stumbled, causing him to fall. He used his might to push himself up, but he had no strength, and lay there on the ground. He called out but nobody seemed to hear. Then, he was helped up, by a young man who Page recognized to be his nephew from the waiting room, and saw pity in his eyes.

Incendiaries

 
Incendiaries’ is a short story about a couple who have a baby, but dies soon after birth. George and Tanse, like many other couples, had many things planned and prepared before the delivery; important items such as the baby’s room, toys and clothing. They also had already named the baby Ann Caroline. Tanse was healthy during her pregnancy, and even stayed fit by golfing, riding and setting up their apartment, but nothing that could affect a miscarriage.

Ann Caroline lived for approximately four minutes, but died because her brain tissue, respiratory system and heart had been damaged. Tanse was fine in every way after the tragic event. The doctor had a discussion with George while Tanse was recovering after the delivery, and told him to take remove any thing prepared for the baby, including toys and furniture.

Both George and Tanse handled the situation very well as days went by, and slowly went back into their usual routine. Both acknowledged the fact that these things happen, and the death was no one’s fault. Leaving their pain behind, the couple went on a vacation to Europe using the money gifted to them by both of their parents. After they came back, the excitement wore off quickly, and Tans needed something amusing to do. She began collecting local artwork, but it wasn’t enough.

After routine checkups, the couple tried again to have a baby, and soon enough, they were expecting another child. One evening, through her second trimester, Tanse brought up the idea of having a pet, and how young children love to be around pets. George and Tanse decided on a kitten, and soon enough brought one home.

The next night, they felt very good about their decision and had a small party amongst themselves. They set up the table with candles, and had shrimp, pickles and wine. In the background, the stereo was playing some old opera music. Next, the furry kitten made its way up onto the table, and began prowling around. Suddenly, the cat’s feet slipped underneath him, and he bumped onto the candle, and his fur caught on fire. Both George and Tanse watched in shock as the cat’s flesh began to sear. George tried to put the flames out with a pillow, but it was too late. Tanse, sobbingly asked whose fault was it this time.

The Interlopers

'The Interlopers' is a short story about two feuding families who quarrel over land. The story begins with Ulrich Von Gradwitz, who is hunting on his own land, eager to catch a member of the opposing family trespassing his land. Georg Znaeym’s family believes that the Gradwitz family was wrongly given a piece of forest land. Even though the Gradwitz family legally obtained this land, both families hunt each other to take possession of it.

Both Ulrich and Georg, along with their own men, set out into the forest during a cloudy night, to hunt one another. As time passes by, both Ulrich and Georg come towards the center of the forest, and soon come face to face. Both men became enraged at the sight of the other, as they wouldn’t let the chance to take the enemy down slip away. Suddenly, lighting flashed close by, and knocked down a big oak tree, trapping the men underneath.

The two men were now trapped to the ground, with nowhere to go. Each man claims that his own posse will arrive first, and leave the other to die. But, as time quickly passes by, both begin to realize that this may be their end. Ulrich and Georg propose the idea of ending their feud, and half-heartedly become friends. Finally, the story ends when they see figures further into the forest, and yell out for help, hoping that they will be their men who will come to their rescue. Unfortunately, they are not men, but a pack of wolves.

A Handful of Dates

‘A handful of dates’ is a short story by Tayeb Salih, about a young Muslim boy, who admires his grandfather. He idolises his grandfather, and believes he is an example of purity, like the lakes surrounding the land. The young boys ‘understanding of his father begins to change as they when his grandfather speaks of their neighbour, Masood. The boy believed that the land was his grandfathers since god creation, but was surprised to acknowledge that it was Masood’s. The young boy believed that the land was a place for him to play and let his imagination take over. His grandfather further explained that Masood had to sell him two-thirds of his land, because of his many wives. His grandfather also explained how he shall buy the remaining third before Allah calls upon Masood.

As they were walking along, Masood walked towards the two and asked if they would join him for the harvesting of his dates. As Masood and other neighbours began harvesting the dates, the boy’s grandfather fell asleep. When the dates had been harvested, the men began dividing them into sacks.  The grandfather awoke as the dates were finally distributed, and gave a handful to the young boy to eat.  Masood was not given any dates, as the grandfather took the remaining five sacks.  The grandfather told Masood that he is still fifty pounds in debt. The boy did not understand much of what was occurring, but felt a sense of connection to Masood. The boy felt ashamed of the man he always looked up to. As he ran off towards the lake, he began to have an understanding of his grandfather’s actions, and developed a hatred for him. He felt there was a secret inside of him that he wanted to get rid of, and forced himself to throw up the dates he had eaten, into the lake.