Themes and message

Entertainment vs. morality

The collective character at the center of the story “The Knife Thrower” by Steven Millhauser appears to be constantly switching between their desire to be entertained through violence and the moral laws of society. This inner conflict is expressed by their mixed feelings about Hensch. They admire his daring and controversial methods, but also disapprove of the lengths he goes to in his performance. The mixed feelings about Hensch are shown by the phrase “dubious enticements” (p. 47, l. 29), which is what makes the audience want to see his performance.

The audience’s desire to be entertained through violence is shown when the assistant first steps into the role of the target (p. 50, ll. 5-31). When the knife is used to cut the straps on her dress, the audience reacts with delight: “Hensch had us now, he had us” (p. 50, l. 23). This suggests that the audience is completely immersed in the performance. It is worth noting that this act ...