Literature authors play an integral role in society as they enlighten people about some of the far-reaching consequences of their actions. As a result, individuals might be in a position to learn how to develop socially and morally acceptable behaviors by reading different literary works. This objective can be achieved by conducting an in-depth analysis of the main themes illustrated by an author in a given literary work. The major lesson illustrated by Dobyns in the short story Kansas is the theme of revenge. An in-depth analysis of the theme denotes that the author has expressed various impacts of vengeance, which include; the contravention of the laws that have been put in place, disregarding the dispute resolution measures, and ignoring the advice one might get from other people.
The right to life is one of the inalienable rights that community members are entitled to. This serves as the main rationale for why it is illegal to commit murder, and such actions are punishable by the law. For instance, one might be sentenced to life imprisonment if he/she is found guilty of murder. Unfortunately, the farmer opts to contravene this law by denoting that he was to kill his wife and the man who had eloped with her. In fact, he justifies his action by suggesting that “When you have something wicked,” you should destroy it (Dobyns, 1999). Such insight denotes that revenge might make one violate the law as he/she strives to fulfill his/her desires even though he/she might be aware of the fact that his/her undertakings might lead to adverse effects like the loss of life.
Society has put in place effective dispute resolution procedures that should be adopted by individuals whenever they are engaged in a conflict. For example, it is advisable for people to seek assistance from the police whenever they are offended in order to ensure that justice is upheld at all times. According to Dobyns, when the farmer was asked to report the issue to the police, he suggested that “It’s my problem,” hence, depicting that he would devise his own ways of handling the problem (Dobyns, 1999). Therefore, it is evident that vengeance makes one disregard the rational ways of addressing conflicts, which might lead to devastating effects like scenarios where he/she might break the law.
It is important for one to seek advice from other people whenever he/she encounters a problem. The essence of such an undertaking cannot be underestimated as it would enhance an individual to come up with a reasonable way of resolving the problem. For example, when the boy asks the farmer, “Do you have to kill them,” which is an indication that he was prompting him – the farmer – to think of other strategies for handling the matter (Dobyns, 1999). In fact, the boy wanted to request the farmer to forgive his wife and her new lover, but he – the boy – thought against it due to fear that he would make him – the farmer – angry (Dobyns, 1999). Such insight depicts that the desire to revenge might force one to overlook the advice he/she might get from other people on how to address a certain problem.
In a nutshell, the main lesson addressed in the short story Kansas is the theme of revenge. An analysis of the theme reveals that the author has shed light on some of the negative effects of revenge in society. For instance, it might make one commit murder, which is evidenced by the fact that the need to avenge makes the farmer determined to kill his wife and her lover. Additionally, revenge might prompt an individual to ignore the dispute resolution measures that might be adopted in society. This assertion is affirmed by the fact that the farmer points out that he would not report the issue to the police.
Reference
Dobyns, S. (1999). Kansas, 109-114.
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