# Bedtime Stories explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A collection of short stories exploring themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the complexities of human relationships, often set against the backdrop of sports, business, and domestic life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disillusionment and Failure

The stories frequently depict characters who confront the gap between their dreams and the harsh realities of life, leading to disillusionment and a sense of failure.

### Masculinity and Sports

Sports serve as a backdrop for exploring masculine identity, competition, and the pressures of performance, as seen in the stories of fighters and baseball players.

## Character check-ins

### Midge Kelly

A champion fighter whose story reflects the costs of fame and the emptiness of success.

### Alibi Ike

A baseball player whose constant excuses and self-justifications mask his insecurities.

### Jim Kendall

A salesman whose abrasive personality and failed ambitions lead to tragic consequences.

### Doc Stair

A quiet, principled doctor whose actions in the face of tragedy highlight themes of justice and morality.

## Key lines

> I'm a fighter, not a lover.

I prioritize my career in the ring over romantic entanglements.

_Reflects the character's dedication to his craft and the sacrifices it entails._

> I coulda been a contender.

I had the potential to achieve greatness, but circumstances held me back.

_A classic expression of regret and lost opportunity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/bedtime-stories
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters