What Is the Theme in "Once Upon a Time" by Gordimer?
"Once Upon a Time" is a short story written by South African Nadine Gordimer and published in her collection titled "Jump and Other Stories." The protagonist, an unnamed female novelist, hears a sound in the night and thinks it's an intruder, possibly a burglar or a thief. She discovers it was only the shifting of the earth that caused her house to creak. The woman can't get back to sleep and imagines her own bedtime story -- a dark, somber, violent tale about humankind's ability to self-destruct through fear. In fact, the theme of "Once Upon a Time" is about the devastating consequences that can result when one overreacts to fear or perceived danger.
Humans' Worst Enemy
The protagonist's bedtime story is about a family that goes to extreme measures to add security to their home, but the razor-sharp fence they have installed eventually leads to the death of their son. Gordimer experienced the apartheid system in South Africa firsthand and uses "Once Upon a Time" to express the fear and anxiety she and others felt during that violent period. Gordimer's theme is likely a statement against the fear, cruelty and social injustices associated with racial segregation.
As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.