Discussion Notes: The Signal-Man

This week’s story:  The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens

Next week’s story: Birdsong by Jahnavi Barua

Rated: Clean

Gerald, Rammy, and Anais discuss a classic Charles Dickens ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” Anais notices a pattern in Dickens’ ghost stories, and draws parallel to another Dickens story we discussed on the podcast, “The Trial for Murder.” Meanwhile, Rammy felt chills while reading this week’s story, and Gerald enjoyed the imagery. Listen for a fascinating story of Charles Dickens’ real life brush with death, and how it manifests not in this story’s wraiths, but in its setting.

If you’re wondering where Maya’s been, she’s been MIA as she devotes herself to getting her nomadic artist life in full gear. She’s been getting her hands dirty with some DIY van updates and camping hacks.

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

Discussion Notes: The Trial for Murder

Find this week’s story here: The Trial for Murder by Charles Dickens

Next week’s story: Once Removed by Colette Sartor

Rated: Clean

The Literary Roadhouse hosts, sans Maya, discuss Charles Dickens’ short story “The Trial for Murder.” Surprisingly, all three hosts walked away from the story a bit ambivalent, or in Rammy’s case, confused. They discuss the characters, the plot, the themes, and what makes for a good ghost story and how the genre has evolved over the decades. Despite the overall ambivalence, Gerald and Anais pick out gems, moments of levity or wisdom that stayed with them. The show ends with a friendly modern ghost quiz.

Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or on our Facebook page.

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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