Themes and message

Social rejection 

In Woody Allen’s story “The Rejection”, the nursery school’s rejection is linked to the Ivanoviches’ social standing. Boris colleague Siminov warns him that the rejection has ruined Mischa’s chances at an Ivy League education (p. 139, ll. 27-29). Furthermore, his story about a young man in a similar situation suggests that Mischa’s entire life will be ruined – as his peers believe he will probably have to get an ordinary job (p. 140, ll. 14-15) and potentially become a criminal (p. 140, ll. 16-23). 

The Ivanoviches’ social downfall seems inevitable once Mischa fails the second interview; the story suggests they lose everything, ending up in a homeless shelter. The shelter, however, is a place where other formerly rich people live (p. 141, ll. 37-42). The existence ...