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4. Barry liked playing board games, but he hated losing. He hated losing so much that he would do whatever it took to win, even bending or breaking the rules. He'd steal money from the bank and hide it under the couch cushions. He'd skip spaces while he was moving around the board. He'd shortchange others money that they were owed and argue with them about it. Barry's techniques were effective. He did win most of the games that he played, but the people whom he played with were his friends and family, and it didn't take too long until they caught on to Barry's tricks. They tried to tell Barry to stop cheating. They said that the game wasn't any fun when he cheated, but he didn't listen. He continued with his treacherous style of gameplay, until nobody would play with him anymore. Barry may have won a lot of games, but at what cost?

What is the theme of the story?

What happens in the story that leads you to believe this?

1 answer

The theme of the story is the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of integrity in relationships and games.

Several elements in the story lead to this conclusion:

  1. Barry's Cheating Behavior: Barry's willingness to bend or break the rules in order to win highlights a serious ethical flaw. His actions show that he values winning over fairness and honesty, which is central to the enjoyment of board games.

  2. Impact on Relationships: The reactions of his friends and family, who request that he stop cheating, reflect the social contract inherent in games: they are meant to be enjoyed together. Barry's disregard for their feelings and the integrity of the game leads to alienation.

  3. Ultimate Consequence: The climax of the story occurs when Barry's friends and family no longer want to play with him. This illustrates the idea that while Barry may have achieved victories in the games, he ultimately loses the trust and companionship of those he played with.

These points collectively stem from the narrative and emphasize that a "win" achieved through dishonest means can lead to personal isolation and damaged relationships, suggesting that integrity is far more valuable than mere victory.