So here's the deal. Straight's excellent story captures the tensions inherent in borderline-middle class but marginalized low-education life in America today. If your teacher assigned this story, and you are a high school or college student doing analysis, I have a hint for you. Because your teacher assigned the story, she or he is going to *love* that you read about FAVL, and want to do something so that kids in African villages can read "Mines" too. Didn't you like the story? Could you imagine never reading anything like it? Hard to imagine. So let your teacher know about FAVL. Click on the Home link and read more. Look at some of the pictures. How about daydreaming about going to Africa yourself and spending time in a village library? You can do it if you really want to!
OK here's the real deal: The theme of Mines is how tenuous life can be on the outside, from an objective point of view. But the underneath that tenuousness, inside it, in the heart, lies a rich commentary, a detailed and sharp monologue, a fine intelligence. By the end of the story, a prison guard is our friend for life, because we appreciate how she retains her humanity, her dignity, through her struggles.
OK here's the real deal: The theme of Mines is how tenuous life can be on the outside, from an objective point of view. But the underneath that tenuousness, inside it, in the heart, lies a rich commentary, a detailed and sharp monologue, a fine intelligence. By the end of the story, a prison guard is our friend for life, because we appreciate how she retains her humanity, her dignity, through her struggles.
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