The School
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2014
15
Short Story • Fiction
Elementary School • 1970s
2014
Adult
18+ years
In "The School" by Donald Barthelme, students in an elementary school experience a series of unfortunate events, leading to numerous losses of plants, animals, and even people. As the children confront these situations, their curiosity and questions about life and mortality grow, prompting a reflective and philosophical conversation within the classroom environment.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Humorous
Contemplative
924 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The School by Donald Barthelme is a darkly humorous short story that explores themes of death and existentialism in a peculiar educational setting. Critics praise its unique narrative style and clever wit, although some argue its brevity limits character development. The story's absurdity and philosophical undertones make it a compelling, thought-provoking read.
A reader who enjoys The School by Donald Barthelme is likely to appreciate dark humor and absurdist fiction. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five or Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 will find Barthelme's concise, satirical storytelling appealing, as he explores existential themes with wit and brevity.
924 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
15
Short Story • Fiction
Elementary School • 1970s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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