*HTML**FONT SIZE=3 PTSIZE=10* Often, two different stories have very much in common. Two authors with completely *BR*
different styles often write very similar stories. Tobias Wolff's "Powder" and Leslie Norris' *BR*
"Shaving" have many similarities. They are comparable in their themes, plot and relationships.*BR*
The best example of a theme that "Shaving" and "Powder" share, is that change is necessary *BR*
for a more mature and happy life. In "Shaving," Barry has a rite of passage that is forced upon him. *BR*
Due to his dad's failing health, Barry has to shave him because he is too weak to do it himself. This rite *BR*
of passage makes Barry a mature individual because not only does he learn to take care of his father, but he learns that he will *BR*
be able to survive as the man of the household when his father is not there anymore. The author *BR*
says about Barry, "Not long ago they had been small bare hands, not very long ago (123)." This helps *BR*
the reader realize that the change is occuring as he reads. In "Powder," the little boy started off *BR*
as an obsessive neat freak who grew very nervous at any time in which something bad could *BR*
happen. At the end of the story, the boy learned how to enjoy himself in the face of danger. *BR*
He thinks to himself, " I knew we'd get caught; I was resigned to it. And maybe for this reason *BR*
I stopped moping and began to enjoy myself. (304)" This change helps make the boy realize that he *BR*
will have more fun in life if he is more daring. Because of similar themes, these two stories *BR*
These two stories are very similar in their plot. Both stories have to do with a son*BR*
spending time with his father. In "Shaving", Barry spends time with his father*BR*
when he helps him shave. Barry knows that there could be little time left in his*BR*
...