The themes of Andre Dubus short stories include the human condition. He delves into the everyday struggles, joys, and sorrows of people. In many of his works, there is a sense of the fragility of life. Characters are confronted with unexpected events that force them to reevaluate their lives. Additionally, the theme of masculinity is explored. He shows different aspects of what it means to be a man, from the traditional ideas of strength to the more emotional and vulnerable sides.
In Andre Dubus' short story 'the fat girl', the character of the fat girl could be a vehicle to discuss broader social issues. For instance, it might touch on how people are judged based on their appearance. The story could also be about her inner strength and how she overcomes the prejudice around her weight. It may present different perspectives, like that of the girl herself, her family, and society at large.
Typically, the main characters in Andre Dubus short stories are complex individuals. They have their own flaws and virtues. For instance, there are male characters who might be tough on the outside but are deeply sensitive on the inside. These characters are often in the midst of some sort of personal crisis, whether it's a moral dilemma, an emotional breakdown, or a struggle to adapt to a new situation. They are not one - dimensional but rather full of contradictions, which makes them very relatable to readers.
The short story 'Killings' by Andre Dubus has themes like the power of emotions. The intense emotions of anger, pain, and love lead to the events in the story. There's also a theme of the consequences of actions. The characters' decisions have far - reaching consequences not only for themselves but also for those around them. It makes the reader reflect on how our choices can change lives in unexpected ways.
The main character is the fat girl. In addition, there could be characters who either support or oppose her. For example, her parents might have a certain attitude towards her weight, which could be either sympathetic or judgmental. And there might be peers at school or in her community who interact with her in different ways, either befriending her or excluding her because of her size.
In 'best andre dubus stories', perhaps the stories that stand out are those which have vivid character portrayals. Dubus was great at creating characters that feel real and relatable. They might be ordinary people facing extraordinary situations, and through his writing, we get to experience their joys, sorrows, and growth.
Read them slowly and carefully. Notice the details in his descriptions of characters, settings, and emotions. Each word is carefully chosen, so taking your time will help you soak in the full meaning.
The lack of more specific details makes it difficult to tell the full story of the 'killings' related to Andre Dubus. It could potentially be related to a crime or a series of events that occurred in the environment he was in. If it was a fictional element in his works, then it would require a detailed study of his literary oeuvre to fully understand the concept of these 'killings'.
Another Andre Dubus novel suitable for first - time readers is 'Selected Stories'. This collection gives you a broad sampling of his short - story writing. You can see the range of his themes, from love and loss to moral dilemmas, and his ability to tell a complete and engaging story in a shorter format.