In The Blue Bouquet by Octavio Paz we have the theme of conflict, fear, innocence, connection, love and self-importance. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed man the reader realises after reading the story that Paz may be exploring the theme of conflict. The narrator is in conflict with the owner of the boarding house preferring instead to take […]

In Flight by Doris Lessing we have the theme of anger, acceptance, jealousy, conflict, change, independence, letting go and freedom. Taken from her African Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and after reading the story the reader realises that Lessing may be exploring the theme of anger. Alice’s grandfather is angry about […]

In Shooting an Elephant by George Orwell we have the theme of imperialism, control, appearance, trust, conflict, acceptance and values. Taken from his collection of the same name the reader realises after reading the essay that Orwell may be exploring the theme of imperialism. Orwell considers himself to be above the Burmese who he is paid to control. He has […]

In Growing Up by Joyce Cary we have the theme of rebellion, control, innocence, isolation, acceptance, change and freedom. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Cary may be exploring the theme of rebellion. Both Jenny and Kate while they are on top of Robert no longer act as the […]

In Once Upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer we have the theme of apartheid, equality, racism, insecurity, freedom, innocence, control and fear. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed narrator (writer) the reader realises after reading the story that Gordimer may be exploring the theme of apartheid. The couple and their son live in a wealthy suburb in whereby […]

In The Gold Frame by R.K. Laxman we have the theme of deception, dishonesty, independence, responsibility and fear. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Laxman may be exploring the theme of deception. Datta having destroyed the customer’s photograph begins to hatch a plan together in whereby he attempts to […]

In Shiloh by Bobbie Ann Mason we have the theme of change, courage, independence, loss, conflict, insecurity, determination and uncertainty. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Mason may be exploring the theme of change. Norma Jean wants to end her marriage to Leroy. It is not as though she […]

In Firefly by Adewale Maja-Pearce we have the theme of conflict, independence, connection, pride, struggle and separation. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Maja-Pearce may be exploring the theme of conflict. Both parents are arguing over their life in the city with the wife feeling as though her child […]

In Flight by Sindiwe Magona we have the theme of connection, tradition, freedom, fear, desperation and determination. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed woman who is looking back on an incident when she was a child it becomes clear to the reader after reading the story that Magona may be exploring the theme of connection. The narrator feels […]

In Out of Darkness by Alex la Guma we have the theme of sympathy, alienation, happiness, letting go, loneliness and acceptance. Narrated in the first person by an unnamed male the reader realises after reading the story that la Guma may be exploring the theme of sympathy. Through listening to Old Cockroach’s’ story the reader manages to feel sorry for […]

In The Journey by Barrie Hough we have the theme of friendship, fear, connection, helplessness, control, equality and perseverance.  Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator it becomes clear to the reader after reading the story that Hough may be exploring theme of friendship. Thembi and Johan have a very special connection with one another despite the fact […]

In Teenage Wasteland by Anne Tyler we have the theme of blame, authority, fear, rebellion, trust and control. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Tyler may be exploring the theme of blame. Daisy in many ways blames herself for the bad attitude that Donny has and the bad grades […]

In An Angel in Disguise by T.S. Arthur we have the theme of kindness, gratitude, caring, change and happiness. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Arthur may be exploring the theme of kindness. Both Joe and Jane take Maggie into their home though she is crippled and pitied by […]

In The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick we have the theme of conflict, control, trust, innocence and struggle. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Ozick may be exploring the theme of conflict. Rosa is conflicted as she is walking towards the concentration camp. She wants to hand Magda to a […]