Selected Shorts: Classics from The New Yorker – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Selected Shorts
• Host: Symphony Space (Hosted by Meg Wolitzer)
• Episode: Classics from The New Yorker
• Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In the special episode titled "Classics from The New Yorker," Selected Shorts celebrates the centennial of one of America's most esteemed literary magazines. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer and produced by Symphony Space, this episode features a curated selection of seminal short stories from The New Yorker's anthology, "A Century of Fiction." The collaboration underscores The New Yorker's evolution from a humor-centric publication in the 1920s to a bastion of diverse and profound literary voices.

Deborah Treisman’s Opening Remarks (02:23)

Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker’s longtime fiction editor and host of the New Yorker Fiction Podcast, sets the stage for the evening:

“The New Yorker published more than 13,000 stories. I could only fit 78 of them in this book because if it had been any longer and heavier, we'd have had to register it as a lethal weapon.” (02:23)

She elaborates on the selection process, emphasizing the anthology's goal to highlight stories that have defined and redefined the short story form over the decades. Treisman reflects on how early comedic sketches in the magazine evolved into complex narratives that mirror societal changes, stating:

“We are only three of many examples of how rich and complex short fiction is.” (05:36)

Story 1: "Going for a Beer" by Robert Coover (06:31)

Reading by Isaiah Sheffer

Isaiah Sheffer brings Robert Coover’s postmodern masterpiece, "Going for a Beer," to life. The narrative follows a man caught in an existential loop of bar visits, interpersonal conflicts, and personal reflections that challenge conventional storytelling. Coover's approach to time and narrative structure creates a whirlwind journey through the protagonist's fragmented experiences.

Meg Wolitzer’s Commentary (13:27)

Meg Wolitzer draws parallels between Coover’s work and John Cheever’s "The Swimmer," highlighting the manipulation of time and the deep emotional currents beneath seemingly mundane events:

“Coover bends time’s rules to his will... if we do, we'll miss too much.” (13:27)

She praises Coover's ability to maintain engagement through a fast-paced and emotionally charged narrative, ensuring listeners remain captivated until the story’s inevitable conclusion.

Story 2: "The Shawl" by Cynthia Ozick (15:49)

Reading by Lois Smith

Award-winning actress Lois Smith delivers Cynthia Ozick’s "The Shawl," a harrowing tale set against the atrocities of the Holocaust. The story delves into the desperate bond between a mother and her child, portraying the intense struggle for survival and the profound despair that accompanies loss. Smith's nuanced performance captures the story's emotional depth and chilling atmosphere.

Meg Wolitzer’s Commentary (29:49)

Meg reflects on the story’s enduring impact, emphasizing its ability to encapsulate the Holocaust’s horrors through personal tragedy:

“It takes only one devastating story like this one to stand in for all the others.” (29:49)

She highlights Ozick’s mastery in using intimate moments to portray broader historical and human truths, underscoring the story's timeless resonance.

Story 3: "The Ladder" by V.S. Pritchett (32:54)

Reading by Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon breathes life into V.S. Pritchett’s "The Ladder," exploring the delicate dynamics of a family grappling with a parental divorce. The story is told through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of a child, revealing the underlying tensions and unspoken emotions that strain familial bonds. Nixon’s performance adeptly conveys the protagonist’s confusion and longing for stability.

Deborah Treisman’s Commentary (33:15)

Deborah Treisman offers insights into Pritchett’s storytelling prowess, likening his narrative techniques to Chekhov’s principles:

“Any Pritchett story... is all a bit alight and busy at once, like a well going fire.” (32:54)

She elaborates on how Pritchett skillfully weaves subtlety and depth into everyday scenarios, making "The Ladder" a poignant exploration of marital discord and its impact on family life.

Meg Wolitzer’s Final Reflections (65:19)

As the episode draws to a close, Meg Wolitzer encapsulates the essence of The New Yorker's literary legacy:

“There is an ineffable quality to some New Yorker writing... however absurd or difficult life becomes, somewhere there is a New Yorker writer at the ready.” (65:19)

She commends the selected stories for their ability to engage, provoke thought, and evoke deep emotional responses, affirming The New Yorker's continued relevance in the literary world.

Notable Quotes

• Deborah Treisman on Story Selection:

  “Whether it was a story that shocked and scandalized... or one that captured and made personal important moments in history and humanity.” (02:23)

• Meg Wolitzer on Coover’s Narrative Manipulation:

  “Robert Coover doesn't play by time's rules, but instead bends them to his will...” (13:27)

• Meg Wolitzer on "The Shawl":

  “Ozyk pairs the story down to its most elemental essential inspiration... it retains its enormous power decades after it was first published.” (29:49)

• Deborah Treisman on Pritchett:

  “Any Pritchett story... is all a bit alight and busy at once, like a well going fire.” (32:54)

Conclusion

"Classics from The New Yorker" serves as a testament to the profound impact The New Yorker has had on the short story genre over the past century. Through masterful readings and insightful commentary, Selected Shorts not only honors timeless classics but also highlights the magazine's role in shaping literary excellence. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the art of short fiction and the enduring legacy of The New Yorker.

This summary captures the essence and key elements of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. Notable quotes are included with proper attribution and timestamps, ensuring clarity and engagement.