The Bicycle Analysis

The evolution of theme through the use of plot and characters in “The Bicycle”:

1) In Jillian Horton’s “The Bicycle”, there are many examples where literary devices, such as character and plot, are used to develop the short story’s theme. 2) A theme statement is a developed statement or idea that summarizes what the author has to say on a story’s topic, and is usually no more than a sentence long. In this story, the theme is the importance of self-evaluation and reflection despite how definite things are thought to be. 3a) An example of this technique of theme advancement is shown in the passage, “Tante Rose had promised me at a very early age that if I studied my piano lessons very hard, she would some day send me to New York to take lessons

3b) Another demonstration on the importance of self reflection is shown when Hannah thinks too rashly and proclaims “I would ride a bicycle, just once, to prove that I was at least a little like Ilana and Leah, to prove that I have some control over my life”. Therefor, Hannah has started rethinking her decision to obey her Tante’s rules against bicycling, even though she knows that this disobedience could cost her the respect of her Tante and possibly her future as a pianist. Since this is a turning point in the plot, the connection between the character’s choices and the rise in action emphasizes on the theme. 3c) One final example of the use of characters and plot to advance the theme is when the repercussions of Hannah’s actions are exacted during the climax. At the highest point of reader interest, specifically connecting to theme because of the consequences of not thinking ahead, the passage “In the upper left-hand corner was a photo of me, Hannah Golandsky, riding a bicycle down Moon Street on Friday night at dusk…” shows how instantly Hannah’s life changes because of one hasty, split second decision. Later on, we see Tante Rose re-thinking mentoring Hannah because of her lack of discipline