Violence in short stories and why authors use it
Authors use gruesome or macabre details to develop and emphasize theme. Theme, the controlling idea or insight to the story, can be clarified when authors use such extreme forms of violence. In the short stories "The Destructors", by Graham Greene, "The Lottery", by Shirley Jackson, and "The Most Dangerous Game", by Richard Conell, some form of gruesome or macabre actions takes place. In each of these stories, irrational acts of violence, horrible traditions, and the hunting of humans, respectively, help to highlight and accentuate the theme. By striking interest in the reader while these gruesome actions are taking place, the authors of these stories are able to draw attention to the theme of their stories. The theme is much more noticeable when such obvious and important events occur.The actions of the Wormsley Common Gang in "The Destructors," by Graham Greene, help bring out and stress the theme of the story; actions when one who grows up in an environment that is violent may lead to irrational acts that are equally violent. Throughout the story, we see the Wormsley Common Gang committing illegal acts of minute magnitude: "'Today,' Mike said tactlessly, 'we're pinching free rides'" (52). These insignificant actions could be
Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her" (211). No reason is ever given for destroying the house. Through this startling encounter, the reader becomes intrigued about General Zaroff's violent ways. The gang simply agrees to destroy it. It is clear that authors use extreme violence in their stories to help make a point. By including the gruesome General Zaroff and his dreadful idea of the perfect hunt, Richard Connel is able to strike the theme of his story deep into the heart and mind of his readers. committed by anyone, regardless of their childhood history. General Zaroff, whom Rainsford has encountered on Ship-Trap Island, is hunting humans as his main source of big game. By doing this, Graham Greene was able to let the reader truly capture and recognize the mindset of these adolescents whose lives have been plagued by war. Whitney, however, continues; "Even so, I rather think they understand one thing-fear. "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connel is another example of how authors use macabre details or ideas to emphasize theme. The true theme of the story also becomes obvious. The reader gets the sense that the small, quiet town has some sort of nice traditional lottery, in which some prize is given to one lucky individual.
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Acceptance Essays
