It is clear that the theme in the short story “Kaleidoscope” prescribes that people should accept the inevitable coming of death and live life to their fullest because there would then be less remorse. When Hollis was disputing with Applegate, Applegate informs him that he had intentionally rejected his promotion at the company. Surprisingly, Hollis is indifferent because he is eventually going to burn entering the Earth’s atmosphere. As described by Hollis, “When life is over it is like a flicker bright film, an instant on the screen, all of its prejudices and passions condensed and illuminated for an instant on space” (31). The only deep regret Hollis had been that he wished to continue living his life without having to incinerate in Earth’s …show more content…
The figurative language in this quote depicts all the emotions, feelings, and experiences in a very short amount of time. As a result, the author implies that imminent death causes people to become hopeless and regretful. This theme can also be observed right before Hollis falls into Earth’s atmosphere and burns. After Hollis and other crew members say a few farewells parting before they collide into other planetary objects; he continues to contemplates extensively about how he should have lived his life in the fullest and not deeply regret the past. Hollis deliberated “I’ll burn ... and be scattered is ashes all over the continental lands. I’ll be put to use ... but ashes are ashes they’ll add to the lands” (37). This quote indicates Hollis repents that he is not able to make up for his terrible and empty life of meanness accumulated all these years. As Hollis fell, he wished that he had done more good deeds during his lifetime seeing as that everything is gone for him. His last remarks before he incinerates were that he wondered if anyone will see him burn like a meteor. Subsequently, a “small boy on the country road looked up and screamed. ‘Look, Mom,