I really want to thank Veronica for her comment on the need for hopeful short stories during a time of anxiety.
When I read her comment, though, I was feeling no anxiety, so I decided to watch the news. After 49 seconds of news watching, I’m convinced the world is going to end by summer.
For that reason, I’ve made a list of hopeful short stories.
Hopeful Short Stories
Gosh, after skimming through my short story collections, it’s apparent that short story writers watch the news, too. Luckily, I was able to scrounge up a small list of hopeful short stories. As always, I’ve provided access to free (and premium) lesson plans.
“Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. “But I thought you were sharing hopeful short stories,” snorts the angry teacher looking for hopeful short story lesson plans. “I don’t like the sound of this title!” No worries, angry teacher. This story is hopeful. It’s about a guy who ventures out on a ledge 11 stories high for a piece of paper. His ensuing near-death experience forces him to reevaluate his life. I think a lot of people can relate to that!- “Gift of the Magi” by O’Henry. Let’s hope things are back to normal by Christmas. But if they’re not, we can delight in the love of Della and Jim. Any time of year is a good time of year to teach this classic, especially if the country’s in the grip of a pandemic and you’d gladly cut your hair and wrap it around your spouse’s mouth so you don’t have to listen to another word he or she has to say.
“Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes. How would you treat a punk kid who tried to steal your purse? This lady’s reaction will blow you away (hope you liked that straight out of the internet headline). Check out the Langston Hughes page for all sorts of hopeful literature.- “Leiningen vs the Ants” by Carl Stephenson. I want this guy on my side during a crisis. If Leiningen were in charge, the virus would be quarantining itself from us. The Virus News Network wouldn’t even have to exaggerate to create fear and panic in its population.
- “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett. Here’s someone faced with a difficult decision. Will she do the right thing? Will you do the right thing? What is the right thing? All great topics for discussion. The story also takes place outdoors. Remember when we could go outdoors? Those were the good old days, eh? I can still go to the beach. That has nothing to do with “A White Heron” other than I often see white herons when I bike to the beach.
- ‘The Open Window” by Saki. Who’s up for a good laugh? As you’ve probably guessed, there’s an open window in this story. Are we even allowed to open windows nowadays?
- “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. Here’s a short story that captures the beauty of a parent discovering her kid is the problem. It may not be hopeful for the general population, but it is for us. It’s funny, too. And I think it captures the essence of many parental discoveries since the beginning of stay-at-home online learning.
If these are too hopeful, check out these Coronavirus short stories.
Last Updated on April 1, 2020 by Trenton Lorcher
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