Perspectives

Literary period

The short story “The Stone Boy” by Gina Berriault is a modernist short story which was published in 1957. Modernist short stories are usually set in realistic settings, which is the case of the Curwing family farm. The choice of words also helps create an authentic atmosphere. Furthermore, the accent of modernist stories is usually placed on the characters and their development rather than the plot, as illustrated by Arnold and his development following his brother’s death. Also, modernist works of fiction rely heavily on symbols, which is also the case in Gina Berriault’s story.

Works with the same theme

“Like Charlie” by John Boyne presents the relationship between a father and his fragile son Nick, whom he constantly compares with his older and more masculine brother, Charlie. When you comp...