Theme and message

The main theme of the short story “Mid-Air” by Jennifer Allott is the negative impact parents splitting up has on children. This theme is explored from the perspective of a young boy. The author’s message is that when families break down those who are most affected are the children.

The negative impact of divorce on children

The narrative explores in a heart-warming manner how a couple’s divorce affects children, leaving them confused, frustrated and unable to understand this change in their lives. In this particular text, the author uses the character of a young boy who is now going on a trip with his sister, his father and the man’s new girlfriend to a place where they used to go when the father and the mother were still together. Alex’s reactions to the day trip towards his father and his girlfriend are those typical of a child who tries...