Reading Groups

In Short: Stanley Ellin’s "The Moment of Decision" with Art Taylor

$30

1 Session

Out of stock

Tuesday, 7:00 pm EDT - 8:30 pm EDT October 1, 2024

Online via Zoom

Brooklyn-born author Stanley Ellin received two Edgar Awards and four additional nominations for his short stories in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and had eight tales adapted for Alfred Hitchcock Presents—becoming one of the twentieth century’s most revered and influential writers of short fiction in the suspense genre. Ellin’s masterpiece is, arguably, “The Moment of Decision” (EQMM, 1955), a story that intertwines philosophical depth and psychological tension, tightening the two steadily toward an ending that still sparks debate among today’s readers.

A brief discussion of Ellin’s career, with emphasis on his short fiction, will be followed by an exploration of the competing worldviews in “The Moment of Decision” (Hugh Lozier’s seemingly unshakable self-confidence, Raymond the Magician’s belief that certainty is elusive) and will close with an analysis of the story’s final scene and final lines: what happens, what doesn’t, and whether the end is an ending at all.

What to read in advance of the first meeting: Please read “The Moment of Decision” ahead of the meeting. A copy of the story will be emailed to you upon registration.

What to expect from this reading group: Brief introductory remarks with some background on Ellin and his work, with a specific introduction to the story followed by a moderated conversation using prepared discussion points as well as participant-driven topics.

Capacity: 25

Please note: All virtual classes are recorded. Please click here for information about our recording policy.

Led by

Art Taylor

Art Taylor

Art Taylor is the Edgar Award-winning author of two short story collections: The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions and The Boy Detective and the Summer of ’74 and Other Tales of Suspense. He has written frequently on Stanley Ellin’s short fiction and has taught Ellin’s stories at George Mason University, where he is a professor of English and Creative Writing.

About this series

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Whether you’re looking to catch up on great novels or you’re interested in exploring a new writer or literary period, our reading groups offer high-level literary discussion led by experts in the field.

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