The Theme Of Resilience In David Mitchell's If Wishes Were Horses

The common literary theme of resilience is vividly portrayed in “Stories of Quarantine” in a specific section called “If Wishes Were Horses” by David Mitchell. The short story utilizes two characters, the protagonist and his cellmate, to exemplify resilience in the face of daunting challenges such as confinement, illness, and mistreatment. Despite the adversity they encounter within the prison walls, they demonstrate remarkable strength and perseverance, finding ways to cope and support each other. This theme underscores the indomitable human spirit’s capacity to endure and adapt, even in the most tiring circumstances. Through comparing these characters crafted by David Mitchell, the protagonist’s and his cellmate’s ability to navigate and

The protagonist, faced with the harsh reality of prison life, demonstrates resilience by refusing to succumb to despair despite his dire circumstances. His determination to maintain composure and seek solutions to improve his situation shows resilience as the protagonist advocates for better treatment and attempts to connect with his cellmate. For example, when the protagonist realizes the severity of his situation, he reflects that today’s “outlook” is a “heavy cloud, all day” (Mitchell 161). This acknowledgment of bleak circumstances demonstrates his resilience in acknowledging the difficulties he faces without losing hope. Similarly, the cellmate, despite being in a shared space with another individual under challenging conditions, displays resilience by offering support and encouragement to the protagonist. Additionally, the protagonist’s determination to maintain hope and resilience is further emphasized in his refusal to give in to despair, despite the worsening conditions. The protagonist screams in excitement “Happy fucking birthday to me” to the cellmate for a sudden positive mood change (Mitchell