Thanks to everyone who chimed in with recommendations regarding my last post. I haven't actually chosen a story yet because I'm indecisive like that.
Plus, there are some factors at play that the non-teachers may not have considered: I teach in a public school which means that I cannot require students to buy their own books; I must provide them with copies of all materials to be read. If we don't already have the books in our tiny, under-resourced book room, then I need to provide photocopies (scooting around paying strict attention to all applicable copyright laws), and the copier coughs, sputters, and then stops working if it is asked to make too many copies at once. So long stories and/or book length works are out of the running. Such are the realities of public school teaching in the big city.
That said, I am leaning towards "The Yellow Wallpaper."
I missed the original short story post. I teach college-level English, but I have found that my students of late don't love Gilman's story as much as we do, but it offers such great lessons on perspective and such. They *do* like Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily," which is longing of a non-traditional sort. "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker offers interesting discussions on family and perspective, too, but it's not in your time period.
Posted by: m | May 02, 2005 at 09:50 AM
It's so last post, but Sandra Cisneros has a beautiful prose-poetry book of short stories called "The House on Mango Street." They are very short - i.e. easy to photocopy - but poignant, beautiful, and pack a punch.
Posted by: juno | May 02, 2005 at 09:55 AM
Maybe you would find useful a donation of copier time, paper and someone to copy the works. The small company I run is always looking for opportunities to help the education system in NYC and I would be happy to do a few copy jobs a year for you.
If you are interested feel free to email me.
Posted by: cat | May 02, 2005 at 12:59 PM
Yes, yes, yes! I didn't comment on the last post because someone had already mentioned "The Yellow Wallpaper", but this is the story I would choose. It made such an impression on me (I read it for the first time about 7-8 years ago)that I've had to read it again and again. I hope it makes an impression on your students as well.
Posted by: Melanie | May 02, 2005 at 03:44 PM
YES.
I'm glad I mentioned it! They'll love it!
You make me want to teach. I'm a newspaper copy editor, but was also an English major (along with Journalism.)
What do you think? High school. Public. English. Enough to make my skin crawl ... but kind of with excitement. I loved my high-school English teachers.
Posted by: Abby | May 02, 2005 at 09:19 PM
I just went back to your last post to check what else has been suggested after I posted. I was originally all for "the yellow wallpaper" but another suggestion really got to me. I absolutely LOVE the story "a portrait of Dorian Gray".
http://www.upword.com/wilde/dorgray.html#a3
If you go to this link you will find all the text of the story. I understand that it might be too long. But it's such a great story of yearning and self awareness.
But if it's too long then definitely "the yellow wallpaper".
Good luck!
Posted by: LizM | May 03, 2005 at 08:20 AM
Ohhh, that is a good one. My cousin is a painter, and this story always reminds me of her, because she did a piece inspired by this story.
Posted by: Michele | May 03, 2005 at 01:00 PM
The Yellow Wallpaper freaked me out. So I definitely think you should use that one. Gosh. I might have to read it again...
Posted by: KRistine | May 03, 2005 at 06:55 PM
Have you ever read Up the Down Staircase? It's a hilarious 60's (70's?) classic about teaching in an urban school. Read it if you haven't already!
Posted by: ManhattanAnne | May 03, 2005 at 07:33 PM
Wow Cat--thanks for the incredibly kind offer. I'll be in touch via email.
Posted by: Brooklyn Girl | May 04, 2005 at 06:55 PM
I also read "The Yellow Wallpaper" in High School and really enjoyed it.
PS - I break copyright on a semi-regular basis. I don't feel guilty because in the end, it helps my little ones. :-)
PS (again) Cat (above) pretty much has the biggest heart of anyone I talk to in blog-world.
Posted by: Sara | May 04, 2005 at 11:41 PM
I totally forgot about "The Yellow Wallpaper"! I wrote a paper on that one in college. Definitely shook me up, especially as someone who has always struggled with depression. My paper sucked, though, as I remember correctly. It was the deciding factor in me switching from an English major to an Art major. Go figure.
Posted by: Ellen | May 05, 2005 at 10:01 AM
Just like Ellen I read that book in college. I didn't do a paper on it but read it for my 19th Century Lit class. It was rather insightful.
I did however write my paper on 'The Hidden Hand' by E.D.E.N. Southworth.
Posted by: Melly | May 10, 2005 at 05:28 PM