Challenge 181

Subtleties

The setting in Harry Lang’s “The Mountains of the Eldritch Sea” might have been a 19th-century sailing ship on Earth. What clues tell us that the story does not take place on Earth? A few allusions hint at a “larger story” involving the unnamed planet. What might that larger story be?

Why will the reader sympathize with the lady in Carmen Ruggero’s “That Gaudy Red Hat” but not feel sorry for her?

G. David Schwartz’ “In the Waiting Room” could be a short story or an essay; it’s a toss-up. In light of the ending, how does classifying it as an essay help the story?

Responses welcome!