Challenge 952

Beyond Boundaries

In Joseph Carrabis’ Mani He:
1. How do the animal figures differ from those in classic fables, such as those of Æsop or, especially, LaFontaine?
2. What other animal stories might “Mani He” resemble?
3. Does the name “Mani He” have a particular meaning?
4. Tony decides to explain the dents on the car as being caused by a big cat. That explanation will be true figuratively, within limits, but how will he explain the irreparably damaged rifle?
5. Upon returning to his place of employment, will Tony try to explain away his weekend and continue working? Or will he quit? Or will he be fired?
In Kelly Kurtzhals Geiger’s Tip of the World:
1. Does the story make use of the pathetic fallacy? If so, in what way?
2. What is the dramatic function of the roadkilled fox?
3. What does Maude accomplish in her trip to the “tip of the world” that could not have been achieved elsewhere?
In Jeffrey Greene’s Project Memory:
1. All political boundaries are artificial. The state of Florida’s literally vanishing exactly within its boundaries is not a natural occurrence. What might it signify?
2. The story evokes the time-honored theme “You can’t go home again.” Why might the lament apply to this whole state, and why might it be taken so literally?
In Pawel Markiewicz’s The Marvel of Freedom in Patches :
1. What does “patches” refer to?
2. Why would “freedom in patches” be a marvel?
3. What other words might be used instead of “eudemonia” or “aestival” or “sempiternity”?
4. What is “Luther’s star”?

Responses welcome!