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A Small Good Thing Theme

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In the “Moon on Water” the theme of loss is seen through objects and images. Kyoko, is a young woman who is losing her bedridden husband to an illness. Both are dealing with the pain of losing each other. Kyoko and her husband eventually start seeing their world through a mirror. To me, the mirror reflects loss. Even though the mirror lets Kyoko`s husband see refection’s of her, the moon, the water, and the outside world, it also reminds him that he is unable to get out of bed. Therefore, the mirror shows him everything he has loss; his ability to walk, work, and interact with others. The mirror also represents the eventual loss of his marriage and the beautiful world he currently sees. The text states that “in the course of time, it became …show more content…

Howard and Ann have a son named Scotty who is hit by a car and later dies. The theme of loss can be seen through the fear of Howard and Ann and how they react to that fear. A sudden loss, or the possibility of losing someone can be shocking and leave a person confused. Ann and Howard are no different. The couple goes through all the natural emotions that most people would. The initial reaction is shock. Neither can hardly believe what is happening in their life. Carver also represents loss through the parent’s fear. They afraid of the unknown and they are afraid to communicate with each. As a result, they start isolating themselves. They avoid being in the same room. A conversation between Howard and Ann at the hospital helped me understand Carvers meaning of the story. Ann tells Howard he should pray for their son, because she has been praying. Howards informed Ann that he too, has been praying. Then the text states “For the first time she felt they were together in this, trouble” (92). Carver is reminding readers that during times of loss, it is better to have someone to confide in and gain strength from. Once Ann decided to open up to her husband, she felt better. She didn’t fell

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