Sanderson holds a master of fine arts degree in fiction writing and is an independent writer. In this essay, Sanderson examines the various roles of Henne in Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story.

Why would Singer write about such a woman as Henne in his short story "Henne Fire?"

As the narrator recalls Henne, the main character in Singer's bizarre and amazing tale, she appeared to be insane or even possessed by some demon. Not only was she physically frightening— skin charred as if by a fire, coal-black eyes out of which "evil looked," and a stature that more closely resembled a skeleton than a living, breathing mother of four—but she behaved in ways that scared adults and children alike. Henne was easily provoked, and she often responded to perceived slights with swear words and curses that were like "worm-eaten peas." After her husband left...