The theme of 'Recitatif' is complex. One major theme is race. Morrison uses the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta, who are of different races (although not clearly defined) to explore how race affects relationships and perceptions. Through their encounters over the years, we see how society's racial biases seep into their own views of each other.
One important aspect of 'Recitatif' is its exploration of race. Morrison doesn't explicitly state the races of the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta. This ambiguity forces readers to confront their own assumptions about race based on the characters' actions and experiences. For example, their different views on Maggie, the disabled woman at the orphanage, can be seen through the lens of race even though we don't know for sure which character is of what race.
Twyla is a complex character. She is a bit of an outsider. She has a certain naivete, especially as a young girl at St. Bonny's. For example, she doesn't fully understand the racial dynamics around her at first. She's also a character who holds onto her memories, even if they might be distorted, and these memories shape her view of Roberta over the years.
The theme of 'Marigolds' is often about the loss of innocence. The marigolds in the story symbolize beauty and hope in a desolate setting. As the main character destroys the marigolds in a fit of rage, it represents her shattering of the illusions of her childhood and the harsh reality that she finally has to face.
The main theme in 'A Summer in a Day' is about envy and the power of group mentality. The children are envious of Margot who has seen the sun more often than them. So they lock her away when the sun is about to come out. This shows how cruel children can be when influenced by group feelings.
The theme 'longing to belong' is often about a character's deep desire to be part of a group, family, or community. In a short story, this can be shown in many ways. For example, a character might be an outsider in a new town and long to fit in with the local people. They could observe the local customs and try to imitate them, hoping to be accepted. This longing can drive the plot as the character takes various actions to fulfill this need, and it also adds depth to the character's personality, making them more relatable to the readers.
One important aspect of the theme is the exploration of power dynamics among the children. The game they play shows how some kids assert dominance while others are marginalized. For example, Ravi, the main character, experiences the cruelty of being forgotten in the game. This also ties to the theme of the transient nature of childhood joy and the sudden realization of one's insignificance in the face of a group. The setting of twilight further emphasizes this theme as it is a time of transition, just like the children are in a transition from the innocence of childhood to a more complex understanding of the world.
One major theme in this short story is isolation. Emily is isolated both physically and emotionally. She lives in a big, old house by herself and hardly has any real connections with the outside world. This isolation ultimately leads to her strange behavior, like keeping the body of Homer Barron. It's as if the town's changing around her while she's stuck in her own little world, and the theme of isolation helps to convey the overall sense of decay and loss in the story.
One possible theme in 'The Stone Boy' is isolation. The boy's actions and his inability to fit in or show normal reactions isolate him from his family and the community. He is on his own, much like a stone that stands alone in a field. This isolation could be a commentary on how society treats those who are different.
The theme in 'An Appointment in Samarra' is complex. It not only deals with fate but also with the human condition. The protagonist's panicked reaction to seeing Death reflects our own fears and attempts to avoid the inevitable. By running to Samarra, he is trying to take control of a situation that is seemingly out of his hands. However, the story shows that our actions may be predetermined in some ways. This can also be seen as a metaphor for how we often struggle against the unknown, whether it's death, change, or other uncontrollable aspects of life. It makes us think about whether we should accept fate or keep fighting against it, and how our perception of the future and the choices we make are influenced by our fear of the inevitable.
The theme of 'Sonny Blues' is about redemption and the power of art. Sonny, through his music, finds a way to express his pain and struggle. The story shows how his brother gradually comes to understand him, which represents the journey towards acceptance and the breaking of barriers between them.