Discussion Notes: The Bet

This week’s story:  The Bet by Anton Chekhov

Next week’s story: A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury

Rated: Clean

Gerald, Rammy, and Anais discuss “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov, a deceptively simple story. Through discussion, our hosts discover that the moral of this story is buried deep in the narration’s point-of-view, in the rambling letter of a mad man, and the hypocrisy of a greedy would-be murderer.

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Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

Discussion Notes: The Looking Glass

Find this week’s story here: The Looking Glass by Anton Chekhov.

Next week’s story: Bad Latch by Curtis Sittenfeld.

Rated: Clean

This week Maya, Gerald, Anais, and Rammy discuss a Chekhov short story. Surprisingly, none of the hosts liked the story. For Anais, the theme of life being riddled with hardships was bland. In her opinion, the story failed to deliver on a lessons ripe for storytelling. Maya agreed, and speculated that the theme had perhaps not aged well. Meanwhile, Gerald felt the story didn’t explore the character’s emotional state deeply enough. As for Rammy, the narration was melodramatic. Perhaps that was appropriate, as in the end, it was all a dream.

Stay tuned to the end to listen to some boozey bonus content. Maya discusses breakfast drinks. Which ingredient horrifies Gerald? Listen and find out.

Also, don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate this story? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail.

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