A third theme could be the relationship between the observer and the observed. The antlers are an object of attention, and the story could be about how the characters in the story view the antlers, which could be a metaphor for how humans view nature in general. It could also touch on ideas of respect, exploitation, or admiration for the natural world that the antlers represent.
In Rick Bass' 'Antlers' short story, the use of the antlers could be a central motif. They might represent a connection between the human and the natural world. The story could potentially show how humans perceive and interact with these natural elements, perhaps with a focus on hunting or conservation, depending on the tone of the story.
One of the main themes is nature. Rick Bass often writes about the beauty and power of the natural world. Another theme could be human relationships, like how people interact with each other in the context of the environment they are in. Also, there might be themes of change, as characters often face changes in their lives due to various factors such as environmental changes or personal growth.
Often, there are characters who are closely tied to the land, such as farmers or hunters. There are also characters who are in search of something, like a sense of purpose or a connection to nature.
Antlers could be a symbol of connection to nature. In a short story set in a rural or wild environment, characters who interact with or are affected by antlers are often more in tune with nature. This connection can be used to explore themes of harmony, survival, or the human - nature relationship. For example, a hunter who respects the antlers of his prey might be seen as having a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Another theme is growing up and making choices. The boy has to choose between impressing Sheila and holding on to his love for fishing. His choice is a sign of his growth and the changing values during adolescence. He sacrifices his own interest for the sake of someone he likes, which is a common experience in the process of growing up.
The 'Antlers Short Story' could potentially be about the symbolism of antlers. Antlers are often seen as a sign of strength and masculinity in the animal kingdom. So, the story might revolve around a character, either human or animal, who is in search of strength or trying to prove their worth. It could also be a story set in a magical world where antlers have some special power, like being able to communicate with other animals or unlock hidden secrets in the forest.
The antlers in a short story could symbolize various things. For example, they might represent power or masculinity. In some stories, a character with large antlers could be seen as the dominant figure in the animal kingdom within the story's setting.
Since I'm in the dark about this 'antlers original story', it's impossible for me to name the main characters. Maybe it has a deer as a main character, since antlers are typically associated with deer. But this is just a wild guess.
Rick Bragg's short stories often revolve around themes such as memory and the past. He uses his own memories and those of his family and community to create stories that are both nostalgic and relevant. His stories also touch on themes of class differences, as he writes about the different strata of society in the South, from the poor to the more well - off, and how they interact and view each other.
You could try looking for it in your local library. Libraries usually have a wide collection of short stories, and the librarians can be very helpful in finding specific ones. They might have it in a collection of animal - themed stories or local literature, depending on the origin of the story.