The theme of the story revolves around the negative consequences of dishonesty and the importance of fair play in relationships. Barry's relentless pursuit of victory at any cost ultimately leads to isolation and the loss of friendships. The narrative highlights how cheating can undermine the spirit of games and enjoyment, suggesting that winning loses its value when achieved through unfair means. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of prioritizing success over integrity and the impact of one's actions on social connections.
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?
1 answer