Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in News of the World, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Fatherhood and Masculinity
American Multiculturalism and Racial Violence
News and Storytelling
Childhood and Innocence
War and Reconstruction
Summary
Analysis
Captain Kidd books two rooms in a small, shabby hotel then rents the local playhouse for the night. Proceeding to the printer’s, he’s “seduced” by the familiar sounds and smells of the printing press. A sign on the wall announces that the office is a “crossroads of civilization” and “armory of fearless truth.” The Captain tamps down regret for his own lost press and buys the newest editions of all the papers. Then he walks to the Dallas Weekly Courier office in order to write down the latest news from the AP wire. Finally, he tacks up his posters all over the town.
This sudden attack of nostalgia is a reminder of the Captain’s own losses, which he usually tries hard not to acknowledge, and the cost of the Civil War in his own life. The printing press’s signage demonstrates both the highest aspirations of people who distribute the written word, and the gaps between their ideals and what they’re actually able to accomplish.
Themes
As he distributes the posters, Captain Kidd worries about the long journey and his dubious ability to protect Johanna. He has already raised two daughters, and he resents taking on the responsibility of a child a third time. At his age, it’s easy to view the world “with the indifference of a condemned man,” but he’s also intensely aware that the future matters for Johanna.
When Captain Kidd returns to the stable bearing barbecue for dinner, Johanna cries out in happiness to see him. She’s been attending to the horses alongside the kindly Mrs. Gannet. Johanna eagerly opens her dinner pail and begins eating the meat with her hands, spreading sauce all over her sleeves. Captain Kidd tries to make her use the fork, but after trying a couple times she becomes frustrated and throws it into the horse’s stall.
Many people see Johanna’s indifference to norms, like table manners, as evidence of her fundamental difference from them. However, her childish frustration her actually likens her to children of all kinds who struggle to fulfill the expectations of adults around them.
Themes
Captain Kidd feels overwhelmed with pity for the young girl, torn from her parents and now expected to master the manners of an entirely strange culture. He sees that tears are running down her cheeks, but he announces firmly that she must now go to the hotel and stay there while he gives his reading.
For Captain Kidd, Johanna’s lack of table manners aren’t a sign of poor character. Rather, they’re a reflection of the trauma and loss which she’s unable to express in words, inspiring not judgment but affection.
Themes
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