Tobias Wolff’s “Powder” is a short story about a father and son trapped by snow but determined to get home for Christmas eve. The story follows the father and son’s journey to return home. The father is forced to rely on his driving skills to navigate through the snow, and the son is forced to grow up quickly as he helps his father. The son tells the story, and it is obvious that he greatly loves and respects his father. However, he also recognizes his father’s flaws, including his stubbornness and pride. These traits ultimately lead to the father’s downfall, making him a more human and relatable character.
According to Wolff (2022), the boy’s father was afraid that his wife would not forgive him if he failed to get home, as she was still angry with him for taking the boy into a nightclub. The narrator informs us that his father “… had to fight for the privilege of my company, because my mother was still angry with him for sneaking me into a nightclub during his last visit to see Thelonious Monk.” (Wolff, 2022, par. 1). This quote portrays various themes that have been presented in the story, including rebellion, identity, family, love, and hope. The quote is clever and humorous, which helps provoke the reader’s curiosity about the issues within the story. For instance, why was the mother angry? Why did the boy still choose to go with his father? And how would the father and mother resolve their issues in the end?
The main theme portrayed in the story is rebellion. The protagonist, a young boy, rebels against his mother’s wishes when he decides to go skiing with his father and his friends. This shows that the boy is willing to defy anyone who tries to tell him what to do, which shows that the boy is independent and resistant to outside control, which is a good trait. However, it could also be seen as a negative trait, as it suggests that the boy is disobedient and rebellious. Another theme portrayed in the story is the quest for identity. The boy is trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs. He is searching for acceptance and a sense of belonging in the world. He feels like an outsider in his family and constantly tries to figure out who he is and where he belongs. This search for identity is a central conflict in the story. The boy struggles between his desire to fit in with his father and his father’s friends and his sense of self. Ultimately, he must choose between the two worlds and where he truly belongs. Overall, “Powder” is a creative, well-written story that thoughtfully explores essential themes.
Overall, the story is not very complicated, but it explores themes like rebellion, identity, family, love, and hope. Wolff expertly weaves these themes together to create a moving and thought-provoking story. The father-son relationship is at the heart of the story, and it is this relationship that drives the plot forward. The reader cannot help but root for the father and son as they try to return home. Even though they are facing seemingly insurmountable odds, the bond between them is strong enough to give them the strength to keep going. It is this bond that makes the reader care about what happens to them, and it is this bond that makes the story so moving. During their journey, there are moments of comedy and lightheartedness, but there are also moments of intense emotional drama. This makes for a well-rounded story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading.
In conclusion, the story Powder provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a young man struggling to come to terms with an incredibly difficult situation. Wolff expertly captures the emotions of guilt, shame, and confusion that would surely accompany such an event. Even though the situation isn’t ideal, the boy still enjoys spending time with his father and going on adventures. The reader can’t help but feel sympathetic towards the boy as he tries to make sense of what is happening and enjoy his time with his father.
Reference
Wolff, T. (2022, October 19). Powder. shortsonline | featuring the world’s best short stories and flash fiction. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://xpressenglish.com/our-stories/powder/
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