Weightless and Hysterical
This study guide will help you analyze the short story “Weightless and Hysterical” by Amanda Miska, which was used for a written exam in English B on STX the 17th of August 2022. You can also find a summary of the text, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.
Presentation of the text
Title: “Weightless and Hysterical” (2016)
Author: Amanda Miska
Genre: Short story
Amanda Miska is a writer and publisher of Split Lip Press and has been a literary magazine editor. She has written poems, novels, and essays, and has published several story collections. Her short story “Weightless and Hysterical” was published on the Little Fiction website.
Excerpt
Below, you can read an excerpt from our study guide:
Message
The short story delivers a powerful message about the influence of religion and the danger of taking it literally. For example, Mariel hides her sexual orientation and goes to extremes to convince both others and herself that she is a good Christian.
The story also delivers a message about the power of friendship. Even though they do not always see eye to eye, the narrator and Mariel show that being friends is what matters most. Although she does not agree with the narrator’s relationship, Mariel tries to refrain from judging and shows the narrator that she can be a true friend.
