The Wireless Set

Theme

Modernity:

• Tronvik, a traditional community, is threatened by the introduction of modern advancements, symbolised by the wireless set.
• Initially, the wireless set is seen as a marvel, but it gradually alters the way islanders communicate and share stories, silencing traditional storytelling.
• The wireless set attempts to control the population by shaping their thoughts and behaviour, complicating their way of life.
• Hugh destroys the symbol of modernity to return to a simpler, traditional way of life.
• The story serves as a metaphor for wider society, highlighting how blind faith in technology can dampen human interaction and harm our understanding of the world.

Conflict and War

• The story portrays war as futile, as the wireless set brings the war to Tronvik, and the islanders are captivated by the coverage of events.
• The war effort is depicted as inconsistent and going nowhere, with changes in leadership highlighting the lack of progress.
• Howie's death, seen as a sacrifice for the country, offers no consolation to Betsy, who views the war as alien and futile.
• Howie's death brings the community together, emphasising their resilience in the face of tragedy.

The Cycle of Life

• The natural cycle of life and death is emphasised through the characters' reactions to Howie's death.
• Betsy and Hugh immediately return to discussing their daily work, highlighting the routine tasks that sustain their lives.

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Prose

• The farming routine and work create resilience within the characters, allowing them to cope with Howie's death and continue with their lives.
• The cycle of agricultural work underpins the larger cycle of life and death in the story, and it serves as a source of consolation and strength for the characters.