If you’ve ever been an early adopter of new technology, you’ve probably experienced the ‘bugs’ that often make their appearance only after you’ve made your purchase. Today’s story, ‘The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm’ by Mark Twain, is a farcical look at the chaos and confusion that often accompanies brand new technology. The story reminds me of devices like the Ring camera and similar products that don’t work quite as expected, especially when first introduced. Twain’s 1882 version of these early adopters explores themes of human gullibility, the absurdities of modern technology, and the irrational fears that drive people to adopt such innovations. He uses humor to highlight the folly of placing blind trust in new inventions without considering their practicality or consequences. It’s a classic example of Twain’s writing style characterized by vivid storytelling, humor, satire, and social commentary. To be first in line for the latest and greatest technology could invite frustration and possibly even regret. 

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Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/the-mcwilliamses-and-the-burglar-alarm

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Ernest Hemingway’s stories were often semi-autobiographical and today’s story, ‘A Canary For One’ is no exception. In early 1926, Hemingway’s wife, Hadley Richardson, became aware that Ernest was having an affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. In the midst of writing this story later that year, Hadley filed for divorce which became finalized in 1927. Hemingway went on to marry Pfeiffer that same year.

This is another classic example of Hemingway’s ‘Iceberg Theory’, sparse dialogue, symbolism, and tension beneath the surface that leaves much unsaid. It also explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, control (or lack of it), and discontent.

The fact that, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ had just been published and was on the verge of making Hemingway a major literary figure, makes this seemingly simple story all the more impactful. The three characters on a train ride to Paris will experience very different destinations once they arrive.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yf317xiHFXhpVyptFb1rwf3NtrK-tVm8-CKTP3BO51A/edit?usp=sharing

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"That story probably had more left out of it than anything I ever wrote. I left out all Chicago, which is hard to do in 2951 words." This is what Ernest Hemingway had to say about today’s story, ‘The Killers’. One of his most famous short stories, it tells the tale of two hitmen, most likely Chicago mobsters, who enter a diner in Summit, Illinois searching for an ex-prizefighter named Ole Andreson. It also includes the semi-autobiographical Nick Adams, a recurring character throughout many of Hemingway’s works. "The Killers" is known for its spare prose, hard boiled dialogue, and exploration of the human condition. It is yet another example of Hemingway's iceberg theory, where much of the story's meaning is implied rather than explicitly stated. The story has been adapted into films and many other works and has left a lasting impact on literature. In particular, American short fiction.

Please note, the story contains several instances of the derogatory term for African-Americans. While I personally do not condone the use of the word,  it was an often-used term at the time so I chose to present the story as written. My sincere apologies to anyone who may take offense.

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Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jUstDdb0uVLT0t5l_KjgkIYPPeNS6S3y9DPBHjX9JSE/edit?usp=sharing

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