“Hunters in the Snow”
The story mentioned above is an allegory to the way in which society functions in general and the way in which different social groups interact with one another. The story is about three men who decide to go hunting. Two of these men, Frank and Kenny, position themselves in a situation of superiority from the start while the third member, Tub, is clearly an outsider.
Frank and Kenny represent in this story the ruling class. They are never to blame, no matter what happens on the hunting trip and they always blame Tub even in situations when it is clearly their fault. What is more, through this type of blaming, they make Tub feel responsible for everything that happens around him and put him in a constant state of mental anguish and tension.
This tension reaches its peak when Kenny kills a dog and Tub witnesses it. The killing of the dog represents here on outward exhibition of power, meant to keep the rest, or in this case, Tub, submissive and afraid. However, the action has the opposite effect and Tub decides to take matters into his own hand and kill Kenny. This event is also important because it represents the idea that the common people have more power than they give themselves. and that when it is necessary, they are willing to do everything they can to protect their lives and to take back the power from the ruling class.
“Next Door”
The story entitled "Next Door" comes as a criticism as a whole to modern society that decides to just stand by and not act when horrible things happen.
The story presents two families, two married couples living in separate houses close to one another. The first family has what can be seen as a good relationship and they are happy. The second family is not as happy and is implied that the husband abuses the wife.
The happy couple does nothing to stop the husband from abusing his wife, deciding instead to just stand in their own cocoon of happiness and just gossip about the unhappy couple. The bed in which the first couple lays and talks about the second couple is seen as their privileged position.
In a sense, the narrator is more critical of the couple that does nothing rather with the man abusing his wife. This transmits the idea that while the abuser is to be blamed, the person who just decided to stay on the side and do nothing is just as worthy of criticism.
“Coming Attractions”
The story mentioned above explores the idea of duality which resides in each person. The main character is a child named Jean who despite her age, she is extremely mature.
At 15, Jean already has a job and a mature attitude. It is not mentioned what prompted her to grow up so quickly but it is clear that she is presented as a young adult capable of taking care of herself.
However, this maturity is described as being present only during the day. During night-time, Jean is a simple teenager who enjoys prank calling people at random.
This story transmits the idea that everyone has two sides: one which is visible to everyone while in public and another which is hidden because it does not conform to the social expectations. However, as the narrator points out, this second side is a person's true side and what brings them happiness in reality.
“Face to Face”
The story is about the two different ways in which people cope with difficult problems they encounter in life and these ways are personified in the characters of Virginia and Robert. Both characters are recently divorced and are trying to move on with their lives.
The two characters are extremely similar and have both suffered extreme hardship and troubles. However, the way in which they decide to deal with life could not be any more different.
Robert becomes stuck and is unable to move forward. Instead of thinking of ways to better his life, he complains all the time and pushes everyone away. Virginia on the other hand has a more positive attitude and takes proactive measures to better her life. Even when she fails, she decides not to give up but rather to move forward.
The story ends with a question for the reader which implies self-reflection. The reader is tasked with thinking about which manner is more productive and also urged to acquire the attitude which he or she sees as being the best.
