The Telegram

Theme

The Reality of Island Life:

• The play focuses on the challenges of living in a close-knit, rural island community.
• Crichton Smith reveals a society filled with underlying tensions, suspicion, and contempt among its inhabitants, despite their regular church attendance.
• The theme highlights how organised religion can sometimes have a negative impact on individuals and communities, with the fat woman exemplifying insular attitudes.

The Reality of War:

• The physical separation and isolation of the island community do not exempt them from the devastating effects of war.
• The writer emphasises that geographical distance offers no protection for their sons, and the war's impact permeates many aspects of daily life.
• The character of the church elder underscores the idea that anyone can be affected by the war, even while attempting to shield themselves from tragedy.

Sacrifice:

• The theme of sacrifice is woven throughout the story, primarily through the hardships endured by the thin woman to secure a better life for her son.
• This foreshadows the greater sacrifice and potential loss of life that occurs during wartime.
• The story conveys the pointlessness and futility of sacrifice, highlighting the uncertainty of whether the thin woman's efforts will be in vain and the possibility that her son may never return to the island even if he survives.