Summary Of The Fall Of A City By Alden Nowlan

Shivam Patel

Mr. Lane

ENG2D1-02

17 September 2014

The Breaking of the Human Spirit

Often people in society believe that creating jokes based off stereotypes maybe humorous to many but can also be hurtful to people. People frequently stereotype other and believe it is an innocent and easily forgivable mistake, however it can lead to a series of serious consequences. Alden Nowlan’s short story “The Fall of a City” has created depth in the perspective of a young boy filled whose imagination was crushed through the stereotypical comments and actions of this awfully rude uncle. The result of the stereotypical comments was demonstrated through the perspective of the protagonist of the short story, Teddy, as he rapidly demolishes his imagination

… Have you been playing with matches up there?’ ” (Nowlan 2). Teddy being caught up in the imagination that he lives in the attic unsatisfied his uncle and he habitually assumes that he up to mischief which humiliates him once again. Due to him disapproving Teddy’s actions, he does not consider the fact he in playing a game in his imagination quietly but instead Teddy is stereotyped and is recognised that he is good for nothing. The role of stereotypes has been given to all in the family, for example not only Teddy’s uncle but also his aunt to emphasize the authors opinion on stereotypes, judging and sexism being negative, “As his aunt gathered up the dishes, his uncle went into the living room to read his newspaper.” (Nowlan 2) Both adults have a stereotypical role in this short story, as the aunt cleans, the uncle reads the newspaper during the evening. The reason why Teddy’s uncle is unable to feel Teddy’s pain is because he does not fit in the stereotypical society that outlines what a male and a female behaviour should be like, at least in his uncle’s mind. In the end, Nowlan is suggesting that the conflict is unfortunate but is relative to many and to