Gladys Schmitt, during her teaching tenure at Carnegie Mellon, authored eleven novels and a multitude of short stories. These stories, originally published between 1929 and 1969 in magazines such as Atlantic Monthly, It’s a Woman’s World, Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, and Seventeen, center around themes of quiet suffering.
For instance, in “The Avenger,” a successful artist seeks revenge but finds compassion for his critic. In “The Mirror,” a rejected woman reflects on her aging self. And in “Consider the Giraffe,” a neglected girl finds solace with a giraffe at the zoo. Schmitt’s stories often touch on subtle emotions and human connections.
In stories like “The King’s Daughter,” themes of desire and relationships, including same-sex love, are explored. The narratives often feature strong women and their intellectual partners. The characters undergo emotional journeys that lead to personal growth and strength, following a pattern of coming-of-age.
Schmitt’s writing style, characterized by rich visual details, sets her work apart. Stories like “The Mourners” expand on complex relationships with multiple perspectives, delving into the depths of human emotions. While modern literature may lean towards more intense plots, Schmitt’s stories offer a gentler and nuanced exploration of human experiences.
These narratives provide a glimpse into the forgotten era of mid-century women’s magazines, offering a unique perspective on life before significant historical events like Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Gladys Schmitt’s storytelling captures the essence of a bygone time with its subtle and heartfelt portrayals of everyday struggles and triumphs.
