Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Past the Shallows, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Brotherhood, Loyalty, and Hardship
Addiction and Abuse
Tragedy and Blame
Father Figures and Responsibility
The Duality of Nature
Summary
Analysis
Harry is worried about Miles, who looks tired and is coughing “all the time.” Although Aunty Jean says that milk is not good for a cold, he decides to make Miles hot cocoa to comfort him. Harry looks forward to lighting a fire and watching afternoon cartoons with Miles, but his brother is fast asleep and will not wake up when he brings him the cup of cocoa.
The forced responsibility of working on the family fishing boat has taken its toll on Miles, as his health and energy levels are clearly suffering. Harry’s perception of this shows the unusually mature and thoughtful concern he has for his beloved older brother, and his actions suggests that without a strong father figure to care for Miles, even a small child like Harry has to take on responsibilities far beyond his years.
Themes
