In George Silverman’s Explanation by Charles Dickens we have the theme of poverty, change, class, selflessness, love, sacrifice, control and acceptance. Narrated in the first person by a man called George Silverman the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Dickens may be exploring the theme of poverty. George as a child had a horrific upbringing. Often beaten […]

In Indian Summer of an Uncle by P.G. Wodehouse we have the theme of class, conflict, control, responsibility and escape. Narrated in the first person by a man called Bertram (Bertie) Wooster the reader realises after reading the story that Wodehouse may be exploring the theme of class. Aunt Agatha is a little bit more than disappointed that George intends […]

In The Melancholy Hussar of the German Legion by Thomas Hardy we have the theme of selfishness, conflict, commitment, freedom, social opinion, independence and love. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Hardy may be exploring the theme of selfishness. Humphrey throughout the story thinks of nobody but himself. He […]

In Sharmaji by Anjana Appachana we have the theme of conflict, tradition, modernity, disillusion and escape. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Appachana may be exploring the theme of conflict. Sharma is late for work and is being questioned by Mahesh. What is interesting about the initial […]

In The Lady’s Maid’s Bell by Edith Wharton we have the theme of jealousy, connection, selfishness, uncertainty, helplessness, isolation, loneliness, respect and loyalty. Narrated in the first person by a woman called Alice Hartley the reader realises after reading the story that Wharton may be exploring the theme of jealousy. Mr Brympton appears to be jealous of his wife’s relationship […]

In The Little Regiment by Stephen Crane we have the theme of conflict, love, responsibility, pride, vulnerability and camaraderie. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Crane may be using the setting of the story to explore the theme of conflict. Set during the American Civil War both […]

In A Story of a Wedding Tour by Margaret Oliphant we have the theme of control, insecurity, escape, freedom, independence and responsibility. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Oliphant may be exploring the theme of control. Rosendale does not really love Janey rather he loves how she looks. It […]

In The Middle Years by Henry James we have the theme of desire, writing, admiration, loyalty, insecurity, confidence and fear. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story the James may be exploring the theme of desire. Despite the successes that Dencombe has had he longs for more success. It is as […]

In Them Others by Stacy Aumonier we have the theme of loss, connection, hope, suffering and struggle. Narrated using a frame narrative the reader realises after reading the story that Aumonier may be exploring the theme of loss. Mrs Ward fells the loss of Ernie who is missing in action. Her life changes in such a way that she doesn’t […]

In The Copper Beeches by Arthur Conan Doyle we have the theme of fear, cruelty, unhappiness, greed, desperation and love. Taken from Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection of stories the reader realises after reading the story that Doyle may be exploring the theme of fear. Miss Hunter though glad to sacrifice her hair in order to take up a position in […]

In A Warning to the Curious by M.R. James we have the theme of curiosity, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, greed and connection. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that James may be exploring the theme of curiosity. Paxton’s downfall appears to be based solely on the curiosity he felt with regard […]

In In the Mountains by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala we have the theme of connection, contentment, loyalty, acceptance, freedom and independence. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Jhabvala may be exploring the theme of connection. Pritam though she has decided upon isolating herself from city life and life in general […]