Summary of "The New Yorker: Fiction" Podcast Episode

Title: The New Yorker: Fiction
Host/Author: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
Episode: Edwidge Danticat Reads Zadie Smith
Release Date: June 1, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "The New Yorker: Fiction," hosted by Deborah Treisman, fiction editor at The New Yorker, celebrated author Edwidge Danticat is invited to read and discuss Zadie Smith's short story, "Two Men Arrive in a Village." Originally published in June 2016 and featured in Smith's 2019 collection Grand Union, the story delves into themes of violence, community, and the cyclical nature of conflict.

Reading of "Two Men Arrive in a Village"

Edwidge Danticat expertly reads Zadie Smith's evocative narrative, immersing listeners in the tension and complexity of the story. The tale describes the unsettling arrival of two men in a village, exploring the impact of their presence on the community and the ensuing chaos.

Discussion: Choosing the Story

[02:08] Debra Treisman:
Deborah welcomes Edwidge Danticat back to the podcast, reminiscing about her previous appearance in 2007. She inquires about Danticat's choice of reading Zadie Smith's story.

[02:15] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge explains her personal connection to the story, relating it to situations in her native Haiti where young men cause harm and displacement. She mentions her experiences under a dictatorship and how revisiting the story resonated deeply with her current observations and conversations with family members in Haiti.

Analysis of Zadie Smith's Writing Style

[03:39] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge reflects on Smith's distinctive prose, noting the "very long sentences" and "lyricism" that give the story a poetic quality. She describes the narrative as having "the perfection of parable," distinguishing it from Smith's other short fiction through its repetitive and incantatory nature.

[04:05] Debra Treisman:
Deborah agrees, highlighting the story's blend of timelessness and vivid visual imagery, which creates a universal yet specific portrayal of the village's experience.

Themes and Symbolism

[19:57] Debra Treisman:
Deborah discusses the story's opening sentence, observing its list-like structure that sets the stage for the narrative. She asks Edwidge how this affects the reader's perception.

[20:44] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge suggests the sentence places readers in a "disorienting situation," mirroring the village's experience of encountering strangers. She points out the depiction of the village as "vertical," referencing apartment blocks, which symbolizes a shift through time and space in the story's setting.

[21:55] Debra Treisman:
Deborah likens the setup to a "choose your own adventure" scenario, emphasizing the specificity and universality of the details that create a multifaceted narrative.

Character Dynamics and Generational Conflict

[23:16] Debra Treisman:
Deborah observes that the story oscillates between universal experiences and specific incidents, such as the killing of King Frog and the cultural references like couscous and tilefish.

[24:00] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge highlights the emergence of the chief's wife as the story's heroine and discusses the narrative techniques used to present the tale through various perspectives, including that of a young woman in the village.

The Shocking Climax and Its Implications

[25:15] Debra Treisman:
Deborah probes into the story's shocking moments, particularly the killing of King Frog and the confrontation between the chief's wife and the tall man.

[25:32] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge discusses the complexity of portraying villains, emphasizing the importance of understanding their motivations. She notes that the communal retelling of the story allows for a deeper exploration of the village's perspective on the violence inflicted by the two men.

[27:34] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge elaborates on the chief's wife's viewpoint, suggesting that she views the men as outsiders who have lost their humanity through their violent actions. She contrasts this with the young woman's attempt to humanize one of the men, highlighting the generational divide in understanding and responding to violence.

The Voice and Structure of the Story

[33:30] Debra Treisman:
Deborah discusses the narrative voice, describing it as both anthropological and choral, integrating communal perspectives with individual experiences.

[35:56] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge explains that the story incorporates elements of African diaspora traditions, where tales are passed down orally from village to village. This storytelling approach adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the shared experiences and collective memory of the community.

Final Reflections and Themes

[41:09] Debra Treisman:
Deborah invites Edwidge to share her takeaways from the story, pondering its exploration of themes such as the cycle of violence, colonialism, and the power dynamics between groups and individuals.

[41:42] Edwidge Danticat:
Edwidge affirms that the story encapsulates multiple themes, including vulnerability, the horrors of war, and the illusion of peace. She connects the narrative to broader global issues, reflecting on how communities cope with ongoing conflicts and the perpetual threat of violence.

[43:22] Edwidge Danticat:
In concluding her insights, Edwidge emphasizes the communal and individual struggles depicted in the story, highlighting the enduring impact of violence on both the community and its members.

Conclusion

Deborah Treisman wraps up the episode by providing background information on both Zadie Smith and Edwidge Danticat, underscoring their significant contributions to literature. She encourages listeners to explore previous episodes of "The New Yorker: Fiction" Podcast and other related literary offerings.

Notable Quotes:

• Edwidge Danticat [02:15]: "In my birthplace in Haiti, there's so many situations like that right now where many young men are walking in villages and causing terrible harm..."
• Debra Treisman [27:34]: "Why does the chief's wife kind of insist on that view?"
• Edwidge Danticat [33:02]: "There is a sense of solitude and individualism emerging from the communal experience."

Key Takeaways

• Narrative Technique: The story employs a parabolic and incantatory style, blending specific cultural details with universal themes.
• Character Analysis: The dynamic between the chief's wife and the young woman highlights generational and ideological conflicts within the community.
• Themes: Explores the cyclical nature of violence, the impact of external forces on insular communities, and the struggle between maintaining communal identity and recognizing individual humanity.
• Cultural Context: The story draws heavily from African and diaspora traditions, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving collective memory and resilience.

This episode offers a profound exploration of Zadie Smith's "Two Men Arrive in a Village," enriched by Edwidge Danticat's insightful analysis, making it a valuable listen for those interested in contemporary fiction and its intersection with societal issues.