Themes and message

The most important theme in the short story “Cyprus Avenue” by Lucy Caldwell is that of identity. Another key theme is that of bonding over similar experiences, specially the experience of death and loss. The death of their family members makes the two characters feel like they are carrying a burden because they need to compensate for the absence of dead relatives. This makes the characters question their identity. However, through the theme of bonding over similar challenges, the story’s message suggests that in such situations grief, trauma, and pressures can be eased if they are shared.

Identity

The theme of identity is explored through both the main character and Nirupam. Identity refers to who a person is and how he or she defines himself or herself.

The story illustrates and identity crisis connected to death and loss. Both characters had to deal with the death of family members when they were children. The main character lost her older sister, and Nirupam lost his father and baby sister. Their subsequent development was deeply influenced by these events. The main character started reading books because her sister did this: “…and first you read out of guilt ...