Philip K. Dick No. 16: The Cookie Lady

Continuing our series of Philip K. Dick stories.

[@KJJose]

I liked your comments. It was a gradual experience that in his presence that made the old lady to experience the energy and experimented further every day perhaps. The two days that we see of her, she perfected it on the last day by sitting close and touching his arm. She was wicked when she "laughed gaily" when the boy reminded "My father" to her comment "Perhaps I'll see you again sometime." This shows that the boy is so innocent and the old lady acted so uncareingly towards the boy. Perhaps old age and loneliness and eagerness to live on that made her to ignore any moral compulsions. I feel some sort of a punch is missing in the story. The author kept every character in balance, none so good or wicked. Your comments, some of are insightful.

[@telltalebooks]

Good points! Thank you!

[@Ctrl1-sk4jm]

What about the weeds in front of the old lady's house? That's the weirdest thing.

[@anjananaturelover2083]

This was an interesting discussion - thank you! But I hope no one minds if I say a couple of things . This is a story written in 1953, when parents could discipline their kids , not necessarily because they were toxic. (Although I agree the father did have a bad-temper)They knew cookies weren’t good for their boy , so, no cookies! ( You know, cruel to be kind?) I think it’s ok for the parents to be concerned- would have been worse if they hadn’t been- they notice the boy is exhausted after coming back from the lady - what happens there? What is she doing to him? Sounds sinister to me . (Even Ernie wants to be let in on what goes on between them.)Secondly , the old woman definitely knew what she was doing - so who is the real toxic person here? Under the garb of affection and generosity (cookies) she uses the boy to serve her own interests. ( kind only to be cruel) and that does sound very Hansel & Gretel -like. Finally, the way the story begins and ends with weeds and rags somewhat gives the impression that she has done this many times over .

[@jimmyviaductophilelawley5587]

Another Dick tale that could have been written by Roald Dahl.

[@anjananaturelover2083]

Please read Roald Dahl’s The Landlady if you haven’t already