Themes and message

Relationship between children and adults

One of the themes in Penelope Lively’s “The Happiest Days of Your Life” is the relationship between children and adults. The theme is explored through the lack of communication between Charles and the adults around him.

Charles’ parents show little interest in Charles. His mother asks him superficial questions and complains about his appearance (p. 57, l. 27). This suggests that she is more concerned with how Charles’ appearance reflects on her. Charles’ father never interacts with him and he thinks that enrolling Charles at St Edwards is a good business investment (p. 58, ll. 41-43). Both parents seem more concerned with their own social and financial status.

Meanwhile, Charles remains quiet, clearly uncomfortable at the prospect of going to a new school. He seems unable to reach out to either of his parents and communicate his feelings, probably knowing that they will not take his opinion into consideration. This is confirmed at the end of the story, when Mr and Mrs Manders decide to enrol Charles at St Edwards without consulting him first (p....