Five Thought-Provoking Short Stories for High School Students
Are you looking for some engaging summer reads for your high school student? Maybe you're a teacher planning for the year ahead and looking to broaden your literary offerings. Or perhaps you're a student who simply enjoys discovering thought-provoking stories. If any of these sound like you, this post is a great place to start! Below, you will find five engaging short stories that are sure to spark discussion and leave a lasting impression.
"The Fly" by Katherine Mansfield
A post-World War I story that follows two men: old, frail Mr. Woodifield and the Boss. Both have lost their sons in the war, but it quickly becomes apparent that the way they have coped with their losses is very different. In this story, the fly can represent many different things: the boss, his son, or soldiers in combat (to name a few). What do you think the fly represents? Comment below!
"Désirée's Baby" by Kate Chopin
A very short story that is set in the Antebellum period. It begins with what seems to be a perfect union between Armand and Desiree; however, after the arrival of their child, Armand's behaviour abruptly changes. In this piece, Chopin tackles topics like racism, hypocrisy, and the role of women in society. A fascinating (and ambiguous) story that sparks lively discussion! Please note that this story contains racial slurs and other derogatory language reflective of its historical setting. I recommend discussing this context before reading.
"To Build a Fire" by Jack London
When most people think of survival they picture tools, grit, perseverance, and strength. In this story, the protagonist upholds all of these qualities, yet he still struggles. So what could he possibly be missing? London's answer might surprise you. This gripping tale explores the value of critical thinking, the importance of listening to the advice of others and the role that imagination plays in survival.
"A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
What if humans could go back in time and hunt dinosaurs? It seems like an exciting idea — dangerous, but thrilling! But, how could one change in the past influence the present? In this wonderfully crafted story, Ray Bradbury explores the butterfly effect: the idea that one seemingly insignificant action can create enormous changes in the future. What actions are we presently doing that could alter the future? Sci-Fi lovers will really enjoy this one.
"Gooseberries" by Anton Chekhov
What happens when you achieve your dream, but it's not all it's cracked up to be? Do you double down, or do you admit that you've spent your time in vain? This story follows two brothers who take opposing paths in life. One finds joy in simple pleasures, while the other sacrifices nearly everything in pursuit of owning land and growing his own gooseberries. At first glance, Ivan seems to be the brother that has a better handle on things but, if you look close enough, you'll find he has flaws too. Chekhov's story explores themes of satisfaction, regret, and the importance of responsibility in this piece. A great choice for advanced readers!
Learn to Annotate!
Are you planning to read one of these stories? If you'd like some extra practice with annotating texts, but you aren't sure where to start, check out my article on annotation. Knowing what to look for as you read can make it much easier to identify important details, recognize literary techniques, and interpret a story's deeper meaning.
Ready to Strengthen Your Reading and Writing Skills?
In my tutoring sessions, I guide students through texts like these step-by-step while helping them develop the analytical and writing skills needed to succeed in high school English. Students also have the opportunity to practice responding to a variety of essay prompts and receive personalized feedback on their work.
Summer is the perfect time to strengthen reading comprehension, build confidence in literary analysis, and practice essay writing before the school year begins. If you'd like to explore how one-on-one tutoring can help you (or your child) excel in English next year, I invite you to book a complimentary meet-and-greet using the link below. I'd love to chat about your goals and see if tutoring would be a good fit!
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