Challenge 377

Easy Ways Out

In Robert S. Tyler’s “Darkness to Darkness,” the narrator began his career unwillingly as a knight, in the tradition of his family. As a werewolf, how does he exemplify and fulfill the ideals of chivalry, including the 12th-century code of courtly love?
In Brian Trent’s “Everywhere After All”:
1. The “codeworms” are persecuted for reasons that are never made entirely clear. How might their motivation be elaborated?
2. Leet is reluctant to join the “All” because he’s afraid of losing his individuality. Does he have any evidence that gives him pause, does he act out of prejudice, or does he have a world view somewhat different from Rita’s?
3. What are the implications in Rita’s being “a kind of boddhisattva”?
Liana Alaverdova’s “Beauty Queens” describes in detail a case of immigrant culture shock. What does it seem to consist of, basically?
In Eileen Elkinson’s “Small Star Awaits Your Visit,” what conclusion do the characters reach concerning their imitation wedding?
In Martin Green’s “Satisfying the Ghost,” the haunted apartment nags the narrator into doing the right thing. How might the ghost have acted if Carol and Anita had different but complementary qualities and the narrator had to make his own choices rather than let them be made for him?
In Julie Wornan’s “White Shadows”:
1. Do psychiatrists make house calls or go on family outings with strangers? Does the psychiatrist actually help either Ellen or Aaron in any noticeable way?
2. Does Ellen’s concern for her stepfather’s state of mind seem warranted?
3. Does Ellen seem to have any feelings at all for her mother?
4. Does it seem likely that Ellen could have come to the conclusion she does on her own, without asking for outside help?

Responses welcome!