The Old Folks' Party 1898

"The Old Folks' Party" by Edward Bellamy is a fascinating story from the late 1800s that playfully examines age and who we are through a funny situation. A circle of young friends comes up with the idea to host a party where they'll dress up and pretend to be old. As they plan their party, they start thinking about what it means to get older and how people see themselves. The story follows these friends as they gather supplies for their party, act old, and wear costumes. When the party finally happens, their play-acting becomes real as they start understanding what it's like to miss the past and what it means to get old. The night ends with everyone learning how important youth is and realizing how memories can be a mix of happy and sad, and a deep feeling of caring for older people.