A Chosen Few: Short Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25549

Title

A Chosen Few: Short Stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Frank R. Stockton's "A Chosen Few" presents a collection of whimsical and thought-provoking short stories, including the iconic "The Lady, or the Tiger?" and the inventive "A Tale of Negative Gravity." Blending humor, satire, and speculative fiction, these tales explore themes of justice, human nature, and the consequences of invention. With a playful tone and imaginative scenarios, the volume offers enduring entertainment and intellectual curiosity.

Summary up to 500 words

Frank R. Stockton's *A Chosen Few* is a curated collection of his most celebrated short stories, blending humor, speculative fiction, and moral philosophy. The volume opens with "A Tale of Negative Gravity," a story of domestic wisdom disguised as science fiction. A retired scientist invents a device to generate negative gravity, capable of lifting heavy burdens and revolutionizing labor. However, his wife wisely counsels him that fame, patents, and lawsuits would destroy their quiet happiness. He agrees, keeping the invention secret for his own amusement while anonymously publishing his stories under the pseudonym John Darmstadt to support his family. Upon his death, the secret and the invention are to be revealed to his son, preserving the family's peace while sharing the discovery with the world. The collection's most famous entry, "The Lady, or the Tiger?," presents a stark moral dilemma in a semi-barbaric kingdom. A king administers justice through a terrifying arena where the accused must choose between two identical doors: one conceals a hungry tiger, the other a beautiful bride. When a young man accused of loving the king's daughter faces this choice, the story leaves the outcome ambiguous, inviting readers to ponder the nature of chance, justice, and the heart's true inclinations. Stockton explores the tension between rigid law and human emotion, questioning whether fate is impartial or influenced by hidden passions. Another standout, "A Piece of Red Calico," offers a sharp satire on consumer culture and communication breakdowns. A man attempts to buy a specific shade of red calico to match an existing piece of furniture. Despite visiting multiple stores and speaking with various salespeople, he cannot find the exact match. Each clerk insists the sample is unavailable or suggests a different, superior alternative like "Turkey red." Exhausted by the absurdity of the search, he finally buys a large quantity of the suggested alternative, only to return home to find it does not match his wife's original piece. His wife, however, is delighted by the superior quality and color, rendering the original sample obsolete. Through this narrative, Stockton critiques the inefficiency of commerce and the disconnect between customer needs and market realities. Stockton's stories are characterized by witty dialogue, imaginative settings, and complex moral themes. They invite reflection on the unpredictability of fate, the folly of human ambition, and the often capricious nature of the world. Whether through the quiet wisdom of a scientist protecting his home, the high stakes of a barbaric trial, or the mundane frustrations of a shopping trip, these tales offer enduring insights into the human condition.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• American Literature