Perspectives

Literary perspective

The short story “Weightless and Hysterical” by Amanda Miska is a modernist work of fiction. Modernist stories often tend to use first-person narrators that can help readers have a better view of a particular …

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Works with the same theme 

We recommend you read the short story “A Gap of Sky” by Anna Hope, which also explores the theme of identity. Ellie, the main character, is a nineteen-year-old girl who is confused and struggles to do the responsible thing while navigating college, drugs, and parties. If you compare “A Gap of Sky” with “Weightless and Hysterical”, you might want to focus on the similarities between the two main characters, who are both teenagers and struggling to find themselves. 

You could also read the short story “The End of Something” by Ernest Hemingway, which also deals with the theme of identity. The main character, Nick, cannot find himself anymore in his relationship with Marjorie, so he breaks up with her hoping to find his lost identity. When comparing the two stories, consider how the main characters are influenced by their respective relationships. 

Finally, you could watch the short film “Sundays” by José Andrés Cardona, which deals with themes such as freedom, secrets, and friendship. The film follows two men who are forced to deal with their homosexuality when a video of them kissing resurfaces on the internet. Comparing the short film with “Weightless and Hysterical”, you might notice that Tommy and Mariel share similar experiences, like feeling ashamed of who they are or trying to conform to society’s concept of a proper sex…