In 'The Little Girl and the Wolf' by James Thurber, it is a modern take on the classic wolf - little girl encounter. The story likely plays with the expectations set by traditional tales. It might show how the characters deviate from the typical roles, perhaps the little girl is not as naive as in the old stories or the wolf may have some new traits.
One main theme could be the subversion of expectations. Traditional stories set a pattern for how a little girl and a wolf interact, and Thurber's story likely breaks those patterns.
Well, clearly the little girl and the wolf are the main characters. The little girl represents the naive and trusting part of human nature. She goes about her business, not fully realizing the danger that the wolf poses. The wolf, on the other hand, is the symbol of cunning and danger. He tries to use his wits to get what he wants from the girl, making the two characters central to the story's plot and conflict.
In 'University Days' by James Thurber, one can find a humorous take on the college experience. Thurber often uses his unique brand of humor to depict the absurdities that can occur in an academic setting. For example, his descriptions of the relationships between students and professors are filled with comical misunderstandings and idiosyncrasies. This story is not just about the academic learning but also about the social and personal growth that occurs during university days, albeit in a rather satirical way.
I think 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' is the most famous. It has been adapted in various forms over the years. The story of Walter Mitty, who escapes his dull life through vivid daydreams, really captures people's imagination. It shows Thurber's ability to create a character that many can identify with, someone who longs for more adventure and excitement in their rather ordinary lives.
Thurber has a great sense of humor in his writing. His short stories often have humorous situations and witty dialogues that make the reader laugh while also thinking. For example, in many of his stories, the characters' misunderstandings lead to comical outcomes. He also has a unique way of creating vivid characters with just a few strokes. In his stories, you can quickly get a sense of who the characters are, what they want, and what their flaws are.
His struggle with eyesight problems was significant. It made his perspective on life and writing unique. Also, the publication of his well - known works like 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' was a major event in his life. It brought him wide recognition.
James Thurber was born in 1894. He faced various challenges in his life. He had problems with his eyesight which affected his view of the world and perhaps even influenced his writing. His stories were filled with his own experiences, like his family life and his interactions with people in the city. He was a master at creating comical situations that were also relatable. His works like 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' became very popular, showing his talent for portraying the ordinary man's fantasies and insecurities.