Well, I think it's also about the exploitation of the weak. The old man with wings is in a vulnerable position, and people around him take advantage of his situation, like charging money to see him. This shows how society can be cruel to those who are different.
The theme of compassion and cruelty also stands out. The old man is treated poorly by the villagers. He is caged and exploited, which reflects on how people can be cruel to those who are different, instead of showing compassion.
The author describes him as a rather pitiful figure. He has wings, but they are in a tattered state. He seems weak and unable to fully take care of himself.
In the 'old man with wings short story', perhaps the wings are a symbol. They could symbolize freedom or a connection to the divine. If the old man is a meek figure, his wings could be a contrast, representing a power he may not even fully understand or be able to control. The story could also be about the old man's journey with these wings, whether it's a physical journey through the world or an emotional and spiritual one.
The main theme could be the nature of humanity. People in the story react to the strange man with wings in various ways, showing both cruelty and kindness, which reflects on human nature.
The wings are a symbol of the otherworldly. They make the old man stand out from the ordinary villagers. They could represent freedom as well, but in the context of the story, the old man is not free as he is caged by the villagers.
One possible moral could be about acceptance. The society in the story should accept the old man with wings despite his differences. Just like in real life, we should be more accepting of those who are different from us.
The wings of the old man can be seen as a symbol of the divine or the supernatural. In many cultures, wings are associated with angels or other celestial beings. But in this story, the villagers don't view him as such a pure or noble being at first.
One aspect to note in 'The Old Man with Enormous Wings' is the way it presents the concept of the other. The old man with wings is seen as an oddity. People don't know how to react to him. They first treat him like a circus freak, caging him and charging others to see him.
The main idea is often about the existence of the extraordinary in the ordinary world. The very old man with wings represents a kind of magical or divine element that intrudes into the mundane lives of the villagers. It shows how people react to the unknown and the miraculous, sometimes with fear, greed, or simple curiosity.
The themes include the concept of faith and superstition. The villagers' reactions range from seeing the old man as an angel to a strange creature, which reflects their muddled beliefs. Also, there's the theme of exploitation. The old man is exploited by being put on display for money, highlighting the dark side of human greed.