Family or community values might also be themes. If the boy's duties are related to his family or community, then the story could be exploring the values that are important within those contexts, like loyalty, cooperation, and respect for others.
Growth could be another theme. As the boy fulfills his duties, he is likely to experience personal growth, both in terms of character and maturity. For example, he might become more self - disciplined and reliable through doing his duties.
Responsibility is surely a major theme. It could be about how the boy learns to take on different kinds of responsibilities as he grows up.
The theme might revolve around courage and commitment. The story could show how the boy overcomes his fears and fulfills his duties despite difficulties.
I haven't read the specific 'a boy's duty short story', so I can't summarize it directly. But generally, it might be about a boy's responsibilities in his family, at school or in society. For example, his duty could be taking care of his younger siblings at home, studying hard at school to achieve good grades, or being kind and helpful in the community.
One possible theme could be growth. As the boy in the story goes through different situations, he grows as a person.
One possible theme could be friendship, especially if the boy forms a bond with a dragon. Another might be self - discovery, as he figures out his role in the dragon - related world.
One possible theme could be race. Since it's about a black boy, it might deal with issues related to race, like discrimination or the search for identity in a racially divided society.
One possible theme could be survival. If the boy is in the swamp, he has to deal with the elements and find food and shelter. Another theme might be discovery, as he could find new things about himself or the swamp environment.
One possible theme could be growth. As it's his birthday, the boy might be getting a year older and learning new things. Another theme could be friendship, with his friends being part of the celebration.
One possible theme could be adaptation. Since it's about a new boy, he has to adapt to his new surroundings.
One possible theme could be kindness. Since the boy is described as 'ever such a nice boy', kindness might be a central theme.
Isolation and connection. The quiet boy may initially seem isolated, but through the story, he could form deep and meaningful connections with either other characters or nature. For example, he might find a kindred spirit in an unlikely place or person. In some stories, the quiet boy may be an outcast in his community at first, but then he discovers a group that values his quiet nature, like a group of artists or thinkers who are also introverted.