The theme of this Roald Dahl story is the commonly adopted things aren’t always as they seem. What sets it apart is the way Dahl gradually builds tension, starting with his descriptions of the weather and outdoor setting, then moving on to the supernatural before young Billy even meets the “motherly” landlady. (Each word was like a large black eye staring at him through the glass, holding him …) From then on, almost every step involves dramatic irony. The reader can see that something is wrong, which softens the impact of the horror ending, but naïve Billy remains frustratingly oblivious. More…
All the King’s Horses
The major theme of this Cold War allegory from Kurt Vonnegut is the human cost involved in resolving armed conflicts. The focus of the story is the moral dilemma faced by those in ultimate command… the need to put personal feelings aside and make strategic decisions that are likely to result in collateral losses. The story also reflects the dynamics of power in war: how the ordinary soldier, general population, and even vassal powers such as Pi Ying’s rebels, are mere pawns in a “game” beyond their control. Other themes: cruelty, dehumanization, sacrifice, manipulation. More…
The Sheriff’s Children
In this story by Charles W. Chesnutt, a highly respected sheriff with a strong sense of duty protects an alleged murderer from a vigilante mob. He later learns that the prisoner, a mixed race former slave, is his son by a slave woman he had once owned. Believing his son to be innocent, the sheriff faces a dilemma. Should he do his duty (keep him safe until his trial and almost certain hanging) or take responsibility for his welfare (let him ‘escape’)? Themes: race and racism, frontier justice, slavery, identity, regret, duty vs. responsibility. More…
Suzy and Leah
Given the ever-increasing number of refugees across the world, the themes of this Jane Yolen holocaust survivor story are just as relevant today. The central theme is humanity. Despite their different backgrounds, the two protagonists show a similar desire to be treated with respect. The coldness between them stems from Suzy’s well-intentioned but insensitive attempts to be kind by giving candy and fruit to the orphaned children through the camp fence. Leah resents the gratuitous hand-outs; all she wants is a new, safe life for herself and friend Avi. Other themes: hardship, assimilation, appearance, misunderstanding, lack of communication, compassion, friendship. More…
The Pearl of Love
In this story by H. G. Wells an Indian prince, devastated by the death of his young wife, has her body entombed in a sarcophagus and begins to build a magnificent shrine around it that he names the Pearl of Love. Over the years he makes the memorial grander and grander, until one day he tires of it. He not only disassembles the shrine, but also has the sarcophagus removed because it blocks his view of the lord of mountains. Themes include love, loss, grief, art and artistry, the nature of beauty, time and healing. More…