CHARACTERS

Benjy

Paul

Mac is the old shoemaker in the village

SETTING

An unnamed village

SUMMARY

          The third-person narrator relates the events of the theme of hate. Paul is not comfortable with the relationship that he shares with his twin brother Benjy. He does not like the fact that Benjy is self-sufficient and that he does things that he himself cannot do. He is also uncomfortable with the fact that Benjy is braver than he is and therefore he compares himself to Benjy. His insecurities are unfounded as it is the fears and discomfort that weaken his ability to be as strong and confident as his brother.

Paul is unhappy because he dwells on the things he cannot do. Benjy does not do this. Instead, he focuses on the things that he can do. Paul is afraid of failure, and this is clear in the walk at night-time with his father and Benjy being an example. Despite these fears, Paul wants to make a connection with Benjy. Though Paul may hate Benjy, there is the need to be his friend. He wants to have a loving relationship with his brother. This is compounded by the fact that Paul is an introvert, and he loves nature, and he loves to meditate about life while Benjy is an extrovert who is very carefree and fun-loving.

CONFLICT

Man versus self

Paul envies Benjy’s carefree personality and this leads to his hatred of his brother. The struggle is internal as Benjy does not foster this hatred.

THEMES

Love and family relationships

Childhood Experiences

Appearance vs Reality

SYMBOLS

Casuarina tree

The appearance of the tree mirrors Paul’s change in mood when he and Benjy are at Mac’s. The tree appears angelic during the day in many ways, and this is like the way that Paul lives his life. But at night the tree gets a dark appearance and mirrors Paul’s change in attitude.

The leather

Paul punches holes in the leather and this symbolizes the making and repairing of his relationship. By doing this, Wickham suggests that Paul is making a new pair of shoes to walk in. It also symbolizes the attack on Benjy. Mac is unaware of the events, and this symbolizes that the internal battle that Benjy faces is one for concern.

RESOLUTION

The story ends with Paul attacking Benjy. Benjy is surprised and confused because he did not know or understand why Paul reacted in this way.

THEME

Hate,

Discontent,

Connection,

Jealousy,

Fear,

Independence and

Confidence.