I think the theme is also about growing up. The situation with the two boys and the girl is likely a part of their adolescence. They are dealing with new emotions and social situations. The story could be showing how these experiences shape their transition from childhood to adulthood. For example, they might be learning about loyalty, jealousy, and how to handle different kinds of relationships, all of which are important aspects of growing up.
In 'Two Boys and a Girl', one possible theme is the idea of self - discovery. As the characters interact, they learn more about themselves. The boys might be learning about their own capabilities, like competitiveness when it comes to the girl. And the girl could be learning about her own power over the boys and her own feelings towards them. It shows how relationships can be a mirror for self - exploration.
The two boys and the girl are the central figures. It's possible that the boys have different personalities. One might be more outgoing and the other more shy. The girl could be independent or perhaps a bit of a tease. Their interactions would be based on these personalities. For instance, if one boy is shy, he might struggle more in expressing his feelings towards the girl compared to the more outgoing one. Their individual traits would drive the plot of the story.
The story 'Mortals' by Tobias Wolff mainly reflects themes of mortality, the fragility of life, and the search for meaning in the face of inevitable death.
One of the main themes is identity. In his stories, characters often struggle to define who they are. For example, in some stories, characters from different backgrounds face challenges in fitting into new environments, which forces them to re - evaluate their sense of self. Another theme is family. Wolff explores the complex relationships within families, like the love - hate dynamics between parents and children. There are also themes of deception and self - deception, where characters may lie to themselves or others, leading to various consequences.
There are often young protagonists. For example, in some stories, there are teenagers who are trying to find their place in the world. Some stories also feature parents, who play important roles in shaping the lives of their children. There are also loners, characters who are on the outskirts of society and are trying to make sense of their isolation.
I think 'Hunters in the Snow' is among the best. It has a great sense of atmosphere. The interactions between the three main characters, their insecurities, and the underlying tensions are masterfully portrayed. It shows the darker side of human nature and how people can be cruel and yet also vulnerable at the same time.
One main theme could be the search for identity. In a boarding school, away from home, the protagonist often has to figure out who they are on their own. Another might be the struggle with authority, as there are strict rules in boarding schools.
One of his great short stories is 'Bullet in the Brain'. It's a profound exploration of a man's life flashing before his eyes in his last moments. The vivid descriptions and the unique perspective make it stand out.
The themes he tackles play a huge role too. Wolff isn't afraid to explore difficult topics such as identity, morality, and the human condition. In his stories, these themes are not just stated but are woven into the fabric of the characters' lives. For instance, in 'The Night in Question', the exploration of guilt and memory is so intertwined with the characters' experiences that it makes the story a very impactful one.
One main theme could be cultural differences. Since it involves a couple where there might be differences in their racial or cultural backgrounds, this would play a role in their relationship.
The Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction is an award given to recognize excellence in fictional writing. It's a significant honor for authors in the field of fiction. It may consider various aspects of a fictional work such as the plot, character development, writing style, and the overall impact of the story on the readers.