We chose this story because it is a very interesting piece of literature. The story already starts with a tense atmosphere that keeps you on your toes throughout. We chose it specifically for all its graphic descriptions of the death of the main character Anders. This writing is truly unique compared to all the other 13 pieces we have read so far, that's why we chose it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Themes of Change, Self, Respect, and Death One of the main themes revolves around self-change by looking more closely at the exact memory he had seconds before his death we can better understand the theme of this story ; “Heat. A baseball field. The yellow grass, the buzz of insects, himself leaning against a tree while the neighborhood kids gather for a game of pick-up.” More specifically he recalls the cousin of a boy named Coyle. When they start the game and the cousin is asked what position he wants to play, he replies: "Shortstop, Short is the best position I'm in." This is where the story detects a notable change in the main characters' personalities. Clearly the boy has made a grammatical error, but Anders doesn't respond as he did in the bank at the beginning of the story. “Anders turns and looks at him. He wants to hear Coyle's cousin repeat what he just said, but he knows better than to ask him others will think he is an idiot, making fun of the boy for his grammar”. One of the central themes of this story could be change, more precisely personal change. We see two very different versions of Anders throughout the story 'I start out as someone very critical, sarcastic and outspoken, and in my last memory as someone who takes people's thoughts and feelings into consideration. We notice a great contrast between the two and this, being the only memory he can remember, could show his awareness that this was a time when he could truly enjoy life. This means that he may have doubted his own changes as a person and the way he was in the period before his death. Respect is another theme in this story. At the beginning of the story you can see the main character Anders being quite pompous. He is very disrespectful and sarcastic. This is evident when he talks to a woman ahead of him in line. He can criticize practically everything that is put to him. The queue at the bank is “endless”, the woman in front of him is called a “presumptuous crybaby” and their conversation is “loud” and stupid”. In this short conversation you can see the way Anders talks to strangers and his use of sarcasm. “Unforgivable, said Anders. Heaven will take note of it." However, this is most noticeable when two masked men appear out of nowhere to rob the bank. Due to his tired demeanor and witty responses, he is quickly approached by one of these men and shot in the head. This also seems to be related to the fictional conflict element in the story. When Anders mocks the masked men. This is evident in this conversation: Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay “So get your ugly ass in gear and fill that bag.” "Here you go," Anders said to the woman in front of him. "Justice is done." "Hey! Bright boy! Did I tell you to talk?" “No,” Anders said. "Then shut your mouth." "Did you hear that?" Anders said. "'Smart boy.' Right from “The Killers.” “Please shut up,” the woman said. “Hey, are you deaf or what?”.".