Courage in the Time of Harmattan by Ugochukwu Udorji

In Courage in the Time of Harmattan by Ugochukwu Udorji we have the theme of conflict, letting go, ego and paralysis. Narrated in the second person by an unnamed narrator the reader realizes after reading the story that Udorji may be exploring the theme of conflict. The young boy finds himself in conflict with Chike […]

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The Performing Child by R.K. Narayan

In The Performing Child by R.K. Narayan we have the theme of aspirations, control, selfishness, acceptance and freedom. Taken from his An Astrologer’s Day and Other Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and from the beginning of the story the reader realizes that Narayan may be exploring […]

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Robert and the Dog by Ken Saro-Wiwa

In Robert and the Dog by Ken Saro-Wiwa we have the theme of control, jealousy, hierarchy and poverty. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realizes after reading the story that Saro-Wiwa may be exploring the theme of control. Robert, who is a servant, believes that it is easier to control […]

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Ilyas (Elias) by Leo Tolstoy

In Ilyas by Leo Tolstoy we have the theme of happiness, materialism, generosity, faith, loss and gratitude. Taken from his Walk in the Light and Twenty-Three Tales collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realizes that Tolstoy may be exploring the theme […]

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In the Box by Taeko Kōno

In the short story In the Box by Taeko Kōno we have the theme of revenge, control, struggle, anger, gratitude and connection. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator (male) the reader realizes after reading the story that Kōno may be exploring the theme of revenge. The narrator is angry that the woman […]

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Millicent by Merle Hodge

In Millicent by Merle Hodge we have the theme of control, conflict, innocence, insecurity and pride. Narrated in the first person by a young unnamed boy the reader realizes after reading the story that Hodge may be exploring the theme of control. Miss is in complete control of her class or she likes to think […]

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The Dreamer by Saki (H.H. Munro)

In The Dreamer by Saki we have the theme of class, materialism, gender, control and identity. Taken from his The Complete Short Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and from the beginning of the story the reader realizes that Saki may be exploring the theme of class. […]

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Conversations with My Parents by Oanh Thi Tran

In Conversations with My Parents by Oanh Thi Tran we have the theme of connection, family, loyalty, respect and, love. Narrated in the first person by Thi Tran herself the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Thi Tran may be exploring the theme of connection and family. While in the hospital with […]

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Factory Town by Minoru Betsuyaku

In Factory Town by Minoru Betsuyaku we have the theme of the environment, competition, innocence, capitalism, consumerism and progress. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realizes after reading the story that Betsuyaku may be exploring the theme of the environment. At first the townspeople are open and even excited by […]

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My Son the Fanatic by Hanif Kureishi

In My Son the Fanatic by Hanif Kureishi we have the theme of worry, radicalization, change, conflict, control, struggle and acceptance. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Kureishi may be exploring the theme of worry. Parvez has concerns with the direction his […]

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The Repentant Sinner by Leo Tolstoy

In The Repentant Sinner by Leo Tolstoy we have the theme of mercy, weakness, sin, connection, faith, hope and happiness. Taken from his Walk in the Light collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realizes that Tolstoy may be exploring the theme […]

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The Empty Drum by Leo Tolstoy

In The Empty Drum by Leo Tolstoy we have the theme of jealousy, class, control, fear, happiness and power. Taken from his Walk in the Light collection it becomes clear to the reader after reading the story that Tolstoy may be exploring the theme of jealousy. The King is jealous of Emelyan because his wife […]

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The Family Business by Benjamin Law

In The Family Business by Benjamin Law we have the theme of connection, identity, loss, success, respect and isolation. Taken from his The Family Law collection the story is narrated in the first person by Law himself and after reading the story it becomes clear to the reader that Law may be exploring the theme […]

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The First Day by Edward P. Jones

In The First Day by Edward P. Jones we have the theme of connection, desperation, love, pride, authority and fear. Narrated in the first person by a young five year old black girl the reader realizes after reading the story that Jones may be exploring the theme of connection. The narrator’s mother longs to bring […]

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