Thanksgiving may be over, but the season of gratitude is not yet over. Here at eNotes, we’re thankful for a lot of things—new books and old favorites—but most of all, we’re thankful for our readers! To show our appreciation, we spent the month publishing new content of all kinds, just for you!
Additions to the Archive
We’re always on the hunt for titles—old and new—that we might have missed. This turkey season, we focused on short stories, adding three brand-new short reads by some of our favorite authors, including:
“The Homecoming” by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore’s late nineteenth-century story follows Phatik, a young boy living in a small village in rural India. As all those wavering on the precipice of adulthood, Phatik struggles to see life as it is, entranced with images of how it could be.
When given the opportunity to move to Calcutta, he jumps on it eagerly, not knowing that everything he needs—and has so yearned for—can be found at home. A heartwarming story about the nature of “home,” “The Homecoming” is a characteristic of Tagore’s work, as touching as it is crushing.
“The Eyes Are Not Here” by Ruskin Bond
Though limited in scope—confined to a single train compartment and told through the internal monologue of a blind man—“The Eyes Are Not Here” meditates on the nature of perception and appearance. Two strangers, a young girl and an older man, cross paths. Each presents themself in the light they wish others might see them, disguising who they truly are. In this brief glimpse into the lives and minds of others, Bond asks: Who doesn’t want to be seen as the people they wish they were?
Nick by Christina Rossetti
A didactic short story that, despite its 1870 publication date, reminds even modern readers about the importance of kindness. The protagonist, a young man named Nick who was granted the ability to transform into whatever he wishes for an hour at a time, soon learns the danger behind even the simplest wish. Ultimately, “Nick” is the perfect “just desserts” story, with the protagonist facing much deserved, always ironic punishment that, eventually, teaches him to be a better person.
Revisiting the Classics
This month we got back to basics. We revisited some of our favorite classics to ensure that our guides were up to date and accessible to modern audiences—including you! Got a beloved book you’ve been meaning to get around to but never have? We’ve got you covered with newly updated guides for:
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina has withstood over a century of scrutiny, maintaining its status as one of the most iconic literary works of all time. His tale of tragedy finds its footing in Russia’s ever-industrializing cityscapes and bucolic countrysides, exploring love—and its betrayal—through the increasingly erratic titular character, Anna Karenina.
The Little Clay Cart by Sudraka
Though likely written in the fifth century, this iconic Sanskrit drama has captivated audiences for generations with its depiction of the absurd lives—in all their comedy and tragedy—of common folk.
Whether you’re in the market for a classic love triangle, a ridiculous comedy of errors, or an insightful glimpse into the religious ideology and caste system of fifth-century Indian, Chārudatta’s ten acts of hijinks and misconceptions might just be for you.
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
It’s 1729, and Ireland is facing failing crops, trade restrictions, and high unemployment rates. Economic collapse and famine feel imminent.
But author and poet Jonathan Swift had a solution…or did he? In this classic satire, Swift proposes an absurd answer to Ireland’s troubles (we won’t spoil it—find out for yourself!) in a pseudo-serious treaty that resonates with readers even today.
And More!
Whether you’re looking to learn more about newly published fiction titles or fifth-century dramas, eNotes has you covered with over 30,000 study guides at your disposal.
We hope you’ll dig into our archives—we’re so grateful for your readership!