Fear and paranoia are main themes. The family constantly fears the outside world and takes extreme measures to protect themselves.
Another theme is self - destruction. By trying so hard to keep danger out, the family ends up creating a situation that is ultimately harmful to themselves, both physically (the tragic ending with the boy) and emotionally (losing the essence of a harmonious life).
One of the main themes is fear. The family in the story is constantly afraid of an unnamed threat, which makes them take extreme security measures. Another theme is the idea of the 'other'. They see people outside their home as potential threats, which reflects on the broader social context of apartheid where different races were seen as threats to one another.
One possible theme could be racial tension. Given Gordimer's focus on South African society, which was marked by apartheid, the story might explore the relationships between different races. Another theme could be the struggle for freedom, as individuals in her works often strive against the oppressive systems. Also, the sense of fear and insecurity that comes with living in a divided society might be a theme.
This story is a complex exploration of fear and the breakdown of society. Gordimer uses the fairy - tale opening 'Once upon a time' ironically. The characters in the story are driven by their fear of the 'other', which in this case is the people from the outside, often the less privileged. They build higher walls and more security measures around their homes, which ultimately leads to a sense of isolation and dehumanization. It shows how the fear of the unknown can cause people to create barriers that not only keep others out but also imprison themselves in a cycle of paranoia.
This story by Nadine Gordimer is a powerful exploration of fear and the consequences of apartheid. It uses the form of a fairy - tale within a frame narrative. The 'happily ever after' idea in fairy - tales is subverted as the family in the story, in their attempt to protect themselves from an unnamed threat, ends up building higher and higher walls that ultimately lead to tragedy.
Well, I'm not entirely sure which specific online story you're referring to. But generally, Gordimer's stories are known for their complex characters. In her works, she might present a character who is at a crossroads in life. This could be related to moral dilemmas, family issues, or the struggle for personal identity. If this online story is like her other works, it would likely offer a thought - provoking read.
I'm sorry, I haven't read this specific story directly. But generally, Nadine Gordimer's works often deal with themes like apartheid in South Africa, the complex relationships between different races, and the impact of social and political situations on individuals. Maybe in this story, it could be about the life experiences of people during a particular era in South Africa, perhaps showing how ordinary people were affected by the overarching system.
I'm not familiar with this specific online story. However, Gordimer was great at creating stories that were both engaging and thought - provoking. It could be about a simple event that turns out to have far - reaching consequences. Maybe it's a story of a person's journey of self - discovery, with various obstacles and revelations along the way. But again, this is all speculation without actually reading the story.
One of the main themes is race relations. In her stories, Gordimer often delves into the complex and often fraught interactions between different racial groups in South Africa during the apartheid era and beyond. Another theme is the individual's struggle within society. Characters in her short stories are frequently seen grappling with the constraints and expectations placed on them by their social environment.
In 'City Lovers' by Nadine Gordimer, the theme of urban alienation might be prominent. The city can be a lonely place despite the large number of people. The lovers in the story may experience a sense of alienation from each other or from the city itself. Another theme could be the search for authenticity in relationships. With all the facades and pretenses in the city, the characters may be striving to find true and genuine love. And perhaps the theme of change is there too. As the city changes, so do the relationships of the lovers, and the story could be about how they adapt or fail to adapt to these changes.
In Nadine Gordimer's 'Country Lovers', the themes include race, love, and the power of society. Race is a dominant theme as it dictates how the characters can interact. Love is the force that brings them together, yet the power of society, with its discriminatory laws and social norms, is constantly pulling them apart. The story shows how these themes interact and conflict, making it a thought - provoking read.