Speed Reads: The Problem of Susan

Himali Thakur, Class of 2019

Reading for pleasure is a myth for most of us at Ashoka. It’s sad to see our reading habits slide into oblivion as classes assault us with a never-ending stream of papers and assignments. To save the voracious reader in you, The Edict brings the Speed Reads Series — stories handpicked to fit your planned/unplanned study breaks.

This week’s story is “The Problem of Susan” by Neil Gaiman.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading time: 2967 words, approximately 15 minutes.

Trigger warning: The story contains graphic discussions of violence and death.

Link: “The Problem of Susan” on Grotesque and Decadent, Tumblr

Synopsis:

“…I remember thinking what a great deal of damage a train can do, when it hits another train, to the people who were travelling. I suppose you’ve never had to identify a body, dear?”

“No.”

“That’s a blessing. I remember looking at them and thinking, What if I’m wrong, what if it’s not him after all? My younger brother was decapitated, you know. A god who would punish me for liking nylons and parties by making me walk through that school dining room, with the flies, to identify Ed, well … he’s enjoying himself a bit too much, isn’t he?”

Greta Campion is all set to interview Professor Hasting, a mild old woman who specialises in the field of children’s literature. How can a discussion of children’s stories be complete without a mention of Narnia? And most of all, how can a conversation about Narnia be complete without talking about the problem of Susan Pevensie — the elder sister who does not get to go “further in and further up” to Aslan’s country because she is too interested in “lipsticks, nylons and invitations”?

Why should I read it?

Gaiman gives a wonderful response to an ending that unsettled many of us: is Susan excluded from Aslan’s country (read: Heaven) because she became aware of her sexuality — because she indulged in the ‘sin of Eve’? Even if you are not familiar with the Narnia series, “The Problem of Susan” makes for an excellent quick read that unsettles ideas on sexuality and desire. Gaiman also has interesting comments on the “sanctimonious” nature of the stories now written for children.

If you have read Gaiman before, you will hardly need more than a nudge to read this story. People familiar with his style will note that he starts the story with a dream; Gaiman often uses dreams as a device to introduce a surreal feel to his stories, and he utilises this device with great effect in “The Problem of Susan”.

If you’re interested in writing for this series, email your recommendations (in the same format as this article) to edict@ashoka.edu.in.