The Theme Of Good And Evil In Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes

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Fate can be determined by good or evil. In the story “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” by Ray Bradbury, the two boys Will and Jim wrestle with this concept. In their friendship Jim represents evil, while Will represents good. They must work together to bring out the best for both of them and save their friendship. The theme of good vs evil is shown in the significance of personal choices in questions of good and evil.
Good and evil are shown right away in the story when the boys are introduced. Will’s last name, Halloway is similar to the word hallowed from the Lord’s Prayer in the Bible. Jim’s last name, Nightshade is a kind of noxious weed. Will comes across as more innocent and is described as a boy “with hair as blond-white as milk thistle” and eyes “as open, bright and clear as a drop of summer rain” (6). The opposite Jim is described as mysterious and adventurous whose hair is “wild thick, and the glossy color of …show more content…

The boys usually run around town together, but one night without a word a word Jim leaves without Will. However, Will follows him and hopes he will not be alone. At this point Will realizes that Jim’s wants to be older. Will imagines Jim on a merry-go-round with the music going forward. After riding the merry-go-round it is “not Jim anymore, still thirteen, almost fourteen on the empty mid way with me, small, young, me scared!” (97). It is good to be young and innocent, like Will. Hurrying into responsibilities of adulthood is evil and foolish.
The significance of personal choices in questions of good and evil is shown between Will and Jim. Good or evil can be determined by fate and the choices that are made. In the story the two boys Will and Jim struggle with this theme. In their friendship Jim represents evil, while Will represents good. They must work together to bring out the best for both of them saving their friendship and