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 goes shopping with Stuart and his mother and considers spending the last of his money on some ice cream. He figures that the storeowner, a strict woman named Mrs. Martin, probably knows of him and Dad even though he has never had enough money to shop here by himself. He ducks behind a shelf to avoid her and sees a shelf full of different teas.
Stuart’s mother’s willingness to take Harry in and include him in their day-to-day activities suggests that she may be aware of his troubled home life. Despite this, she (like Mr. Roberts) does not take active responsibility in protecting the boys from Dad’s mistreatment.
Themes
Harry spots the same variety of English breakfast tea that he knows George Fuller likes. He decides he wants to buy it for George although the $3.25 price is nearly all the money he has left. Harry tells Stuart’s mother the tea is for Aunty Jean and buys the tin along with two bags of candy for himself and Stuart.
Harry’s consideration of George amidst his own troubles exemplifies his thoughtful nature and shows that the old man has become a beloved friend and grandfatherly figure for Harry. This moment makes it clear that having loving guidance can also lead children to behave lovingly themselves.
Themes
After they finish shopping, Harry rides with Stuart and his mother back toward their trailer. Harry tells Stuart’s mother that she can drop him off near the bridge, and she looks concerned and suggests that he come home with them. Harry declines, telling her that Dad has probably left lunch for him at home. He gives Stuart his dart gun to hold onto and gets out of the car. After waving goodbye, Harry runs down the road toward George’s house.
Again, Stuart’s mother seems to have an inkling as to Harry’s troubles, yet she does not push the issue beyond offering to let him stay. This passage is another example of how adults outside of the Curren family are somewhat complicit in Dad’s abuse, as they fail to take proper responsibility for helping the boys out of their toxic situation.
Themes
