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.
The theme of self - discovery is prominent. The boarding school setting provides a new environment for the characters. It's a place where they can test their limits, both academically and socially. They may also face the theme of class differences, as boarding schools can have students from various economic backgrounds, which can lead to different experiences and power dynamics.
There could be a bully character. This person makes life difficult for some of the other students, creating conflict. And also a best friend or confidant of the protagonist. This character provides support and someone to share secrets with.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One characteristic is his vivid character portrayals. In his stories, the characters are complex and multi - dimensional, making them seem like real people with their own flaws and virtues.
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.
In this story, the rich brother seems to be defined by his financial success. He might be a bit arrogant due to his wealth. On the other hand, the other brother has his own set of values that are different from his rich brother. He may value relationships more than material possessions and be more empathetic.
The other brother is different. He might not have as much money as his rich brother, but he has a more carefree attitude. He doesn't seem to be as driven by material success. The two brothers' personalities clash in different situations in the story, which makes for an interesting exploration of their relationship.