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Cover of "Short Sixes": Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns

"Short Sixes": Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns

Written by H. C. (Henry Cuyler) Bunner

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United StatesShort stories, American

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About this book

"Short Sixes: Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns" by H. C. Bunner is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This collection features various characters engaged in whimsical and poignant narratives, often exploring themes of love, social class, and the everyday lives of individuals in that period. Each story has an illustrative quality that enhances the reader's experience. The opening of the first story, "The Tenor," introduces us to two girls, Louise and Esther, who share an innocent admiration for a famous French tenor, M. Hyppolite Rémy. They engage in a ritualistic worship of his photograph and music, reflecting their youthful idolatry and emotional intensity. As they plot a daring plan for Louise to serve as a maid in the tenor's household, the narrative hints at themes of aspiration and the longing for connection with art and beauty. This sets the stage for a lively exploration of human desires and social interactions that Will be further developed in the collection.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in "Short Sixes": Stories to be Read While the Candle Burns, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • poignant
  • romantic

H. C. Bunner's "Short Sixes" is a charming collection of late 19th-century short stories, designed for intimate reading sessions by candlelight. It delves into the whimsical and often poignant narratives of ordinary individuals, exploring universal themes such as youthful aspiration, the complexities of social class, and the pursuit of love and beauty in everyday life. Through a cast of memorable characters, the collection paints a vivid picture of the period's social landscape and human desires. Each story is crafted with an illustrative quality, enhancing the reader's engagement with its blend of humor, sentiment, and keen observations of human nature, leaving a lasting impression of its gentle wit and emotional depth.

“"They lived in a world where the tenor's photograph was a sacred icon, and his name, M. Hyppolite Rémy, a murmured prayer."”

Key themes

Youthful Idolatry and Aspiration
This theme explores the intense, often innocent, admiration young people hold for figures of art, fame, or beauty, and the subsequent aspirations these feelings ignite. It delves into how dreams and desires, however naive, can drive individuals to attempt to bridge the gap between their reality and their idealized world.
Social Class and Mobility
Bunner frequently examines the subtle and overt distinctions of social class in late 19th-century America. The stories often highlight the aspirations of those in lower or middle classes to transcend their circumstances or to interact with those of higher social standing, revealing the challenges and occasional humor in these endeavors.
Love, Admiration, and Connection
Beyond romantic love, this theme encompasses various forms of affection, admiration, and the fundamental human desire for connection. In 'Short Sixes,' this often manifests as innocent crushes, deep friendships, or the longing for a spiritual or emotional link with an admired figure or ideal.

Worth discussing

How does Bunner use humor to explore the often-serious themes of social class and aspiration in the collection?

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