Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in I Am the Messenger, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Circumstance vs. Choice
Heroism, Sainthood, and Ordinariness
Purpose, Success, and Meaning
Hope, Caring, and Beauty
Summary
Analysis
On payday, Ed watches Angie take her kids to the ice cream shop and then the park. After they leave the shop, Ed goes inside and buys an ice cream cone. He walks up to Angie and her kids and explains that he has seen Angie buy ice cream for her kids but none for herself. He says that he believes Angie deserves ice cream too, and hands her his cone. Angie hesitantly takes the ice cream and then begins to eat it. Her children leave to go play, and Ed sits with her on the bench as she savors her ice cream.
Ed giving Angie the ice cream demonstrates that caring for others does not have to involve flashy, dramatic sacrifices. Instead, caring can be as simple as a small act which lets someone know that they matter. Angie’s savoring of the ice cream further suggests that small acts of caring can have a large impact on those who need a little kindness in their lives.
Themes
Angie watches her children on the playground. She explains to Ed how she loves and appreciates her children, but her life is difficult as a single mother of three kids. She begins to cry because, as Ed realizes, she is always giving herself to others and no one ever gives to her. She thanks Ed and asks him his name. One of Angie’s children approaches and promises to give her mother a part of her ice cream next time. Ed still feels sorry for Angie, but he also feels content.
Ed’s act of caring is not just giving Angie the ice cream, but also allowing Angie to express the sadness she feels she cannot express to anyone else. This shows the great impact empathy can have even between strangers. Additionally, the promise of Angie’s child shows how kind acts can inspire further kindness among others.
Themes
