Well, it might be about the passage of time too. The characters' past actions and experiences are deeply influenced by time. For example, old grievances resurface after many years. They have changed over time, but those past events still have a strong hold on them. And as the story unfolds, we see how the past and present collide because of time's passage.
Another possible theme is isolation. The characters seem to be isolated in their own worlds, especially the main character who has been nursing her revenge in solitude for a long time. Their emotional isolation affects their actions and decisions throughout the story.
The main theme could be revenge. In the story, the protagonist holds a long - standing grudge and plans her revenge carefully.
There is also a man who is somehow related to the woman's past. He might not be fully aware of the woman's true feelings towards him at first. Their interactions are crucial to the development of the story. Additionally, there may be other minor characters who help to set the context and background of the story, like people in the town or on the journey they are on.
The theme could also be related to discovery. The stone might be the key to a discovery in the story. It could lead the characters to uncover a hidden truth, a long - lost secret, or a new world. For example, the stone could be a special artifact that has been forgotten, and as the characters explore it, they learn about their past or their world in a new way.
In 'Stone Mattress,' you'll find stories like 'Torching the Dusties' and 'Lusus Naturae.' The collection showcases Atwood's diverse range of themes and narrative techniques.
Well, it might be centered around survival. If there's a creature that eats stones, it's likely in a harsh environment where normal food sources are scarce. So, the theme could be how it copes with this difficult situation and finds a way to survive against the odds. Maybe it shows the lengths a being will go to in order to stay alive.
Well, it might be about the passage of time. The stone ship, being a solid and unchanging object, could be a symbol of how time moves on around it. It could show how things change while the ship remains, in a way highlighting the transient nature of everything else.
The main theme is often about isolation and the inability to express emotions. The stone boy is sort of an outcast in the story, and his stoic nature reflects his emotional isolation from the people around him.
The main theme could be isolation. The stone boy might be isolated in some way, perhaps feeling different from others around him, which is a common interpretation in many stories with such a character.
In 'The Stone Boy', a possible theme is the struggle with self - identity. The boy's unique and somewhat cold nature might represent his confusion about who he is in relation to his family and society. He doesn't react in the typical way, which shows his internal conflict regarding his identity.
The theme is significant as it makes readers reflect on human nature. If we look at the theme of emotional repression, it shows how important it is for people, especially children, to be able to express their feelings. The short story serves as a warning about the negative impacts of bottling up emotions.
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.