Selected Shorts: Grace Paley Centennial
Symphony Space, Released March 6, 2025
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Introduction: Celebrating Grace Paley
In this special episode of Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer commemorates the centennial of the esteemed writer Grace Paley. Paley, a quintessential New York writer born in the Bronx in 1922, left an indelible mark on literature through her masterful short stories that intertwine humor, heartbreak, and profound social commentary. Meg introduces Paley’s life, highlighting her contributions not only as an author but also as an activist deeply involved in anti-war, anti-nuclear, anti-racist, and feminist movements. Paley authored three significant collections: The Little Disturbances of Man (1959), Enormous Changes at the Last Minute (1974), and Same Day (1985), each underscoring her dedication to crafting stories that reflect the complexities of human relationships and societal issues.
"Grace Paley is one of those quintessential New York writers... She didn't seem to have to fold her politics into her life. It was her life."
— Meg Wolitzer [00:07]
Tribute by Lauren Groff
Author Lauren Groff delivers a heartfelt tribute to Grace Paley, reflecting on her own journey as a writer inspired by Paley’s work. Groff recounts her admiration for Paley’s blend of personal and political expression, describing Paley as the best model of a "lifelong artist activist."
"I admire Paley's maternal rage as well as her citizen's rage. She is the best model of a lifelong artist activist that I know of."
— Lauren Groff [02:06]
Groff also shares a personal anecdote of meeting Paley, portraying her as a formidable yet inspiring figure whose presence continues to influence her writing process.
"Sometimes the mere thought of your hero's gentle scorn can guide you to better prose."
— Lauren Groff [02:06]
Story 1: "Wants" by Grace Paley
Adina Verson brings to life Paley’s short story "Wants," a poignant exploration of past relationships and personal responsibilities. The narrative centers around a woman encountering her ex-husband at a library, leading to a reflection on their 27-year marriage and the unreturned library books that symbolize neglected aspects of their life together.
"I saw my ex husband in the street. I was sitting on the steps of the new library. Hello, my life, I said."
— Adina Verson as Narrator [04:16]
Through seemingly mundane interactions, Paley delves into themes of accountability, memory, and the passage of time. The protagonist’s dialogue with her ex-husband reveals layers of regret, societal expectations, and personal growth.
"I wanted to be the effective citizen who changes the school system and addresses the board of estimate on the troubles of this dear urban center."
— Protagonist [06:55]
The story masterfully captures the tension between personal desires and societal roles, highlighting Paley’s talent for portraying authentic, relatable characters.
Insight from Grace Paley
Archived audio from a 1995 live edition of Selected Shorts features Grace Paley herself discussing her approach to writing short stories. Paley emphasizes that storytelling is a fundamental way of understanding and communicating about the world.
"I wrote short stories because I wrote short stories. ... It was a way of thinking about the world for me to write those stories."
— Grace Paley [10:29]
She reflects on the universal nature of stories, noting their role in personal identity, community understanding, and the transmission of experiences across generations.
"The story that the child tells, which is the very first story that's told... probably the child's fate is decided then and there."
— Grace Paley [10:29]
Story 2: "Ruthie and Edie" by Grace Paley
Rita Wolf presents "Ruthie and Edie," a narrative that examines long-term friendship and the complexities that come with it. Set against the backdrop of childhood interactions and adult reunions, the story navigates themes of loyalty, disillusionment, and the enduring impact of past relationships.
"One day in the Bronx, two small girls named Edie and Ruthie were sitting on the Stoop."
— Rita Wolf as Narrator [11:58]
The story transitions seamlessly from the innocence of childhood to the nuanced struggles of adulthood. Ruthie’s activism and Edie’s yearning for a stable family life illustrate the divergent paths that friendships can take over time.
"It's never too late. No, he said with a great deal of bitterness. I may get a sailboat. As a matter of fact, I have money down on an 18 foot two rigger."
— Adina Verson as Narrator [06:57]
Through heated dialogues and emotional exchanges, Paley captures the tension between idealism and reality, showcasing her ability to portray deep emotional currents within everyday interactions.
Story 3: "Goodbye and Good Luck" by Grace Paley
Joanna Gleason delivers a compelling reading of "Goodbye and Good Luck," one of Paley’s fan-favorite stories. This tale intertwines personal ambition, unrequited love, and the disillusionment of aging within the theatrical world.
"I was popular in certain circles, says Aunt Rose. I was no thinner then, only more stationary in the flesh."
— Joanna Gleason as Aunt Rose [32:04]
The narrative follows Aunt Rose’s journey through her career in the Russian Art Theater of Second Avenue, highlighting her interactions with the charismatic actor Volodya Vlashkin. Their relationship is marked by professional admiration and personal conflict, reflecting the broader themes of aging, relevance, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of artistic passion.
"I decided to live for love. Don't laugh, you ignorant girl."
— Joanna Gleason as Aunt Rose [32:04]
As the story progresses, Aunt Rose grapples with the end of Vlashkin’s career and her own unmet desires, leading to a poignant conclusion that underscores Paley’s mastery in depicting the bittersweet nature of human connections.
Conclusion: Reflections and Legacy
Meg Wolitzer concludes the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Grace Paley’s work. She emphasizes how Paley’s stories resonate with authenticity and emotional depth, making them timeless pieces that continue to connect with audiences.
"Her characters are definitely alive for me and I hope for you, too."
— Meg Wolitzer [55:58]
Wolitzer shares personal connections to Paley’s narratives, likening the stories to preserved moments of the past infused with vital, vibrant life. She advocates for Paley’s stories as essential reads for book groups and literary enthusiasts, celebrating the writer’s ability to breathe life into otherwise vanished eras and experiences.
"Grace Paley can take what's evaporated and add a little water... and bring it to life before our eyes."
— Meg Wolitzer [55:58]
The episode closes with acknowledgments to the production team and supporters, underscoring the collective effort in bringing Paley’s stories to a wider audience.
Key Quotes
-
"I fell in love with Grace Paley's work in college."
— Lauren Groff [02:06] -
"I want to be the effective citizen who changes the school system."
— Protagonist in "Wants" [06:55] -
"A dog is an animal. You could talk to a dog, but a dog couldn't talk to you."
— Protagonist in "Wants" [06:57] -
"The story that the child tells... probably the child's fate is decided then and there."
— Grace Paley [10:29] -
"I decided to live for love."
— Aunt Rose in "Goodbye and Good Luck" [32:04]
Final Thoughts
This centennial episode of Selected Shorts serves not only as a tribute to Grace Paley’s formidable literary contributions but also as a reminder of the profound impact a dedicated writer can have on both literature and society. Through engaging performances and insightful commentary, listeners are invited to delve into Paley’s richly textured worlds, experiencing the humor, pain, and enduring humanity that define her stories.
Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
Performed by: Adina Verson, Rita Wolf, Joanna Gleason
Recorded by: Myles B. Smith
Theme Music: David Peterson’s "That’s the Deal" performed by the Dierdorf Petersen Group
Supported by: Dungannon Foundation and New York State Council on the Arts
Produced and Distributed by: Symphony Space