Common Love Theme of “Groom Service” and “the Return”
Common Love Theme of “Groom Service” and “The Return” “Groom Service” and “The Return” are two short stories taken place in a terrible setting with the main character who deals with relationship problems. Both stories have common themes related to acceptance, acknowledgement, and recognition. The protagonist in “Groom Service”, Bernard, had the ability to survive with his hunting skill, but did not dare to seek his own love. He seeks acceptance from Marie and her family. On the contrary, Kamau in the story “The Return” seeks acceptance from a village, but finds acceptances in the change that had taken place. Due to the influence of the internal and external forces created by their family and personalities, protagonists, Bernard and Kamau, did not end up with their desired partner. Bernard and Kamau both lived in a poor neighborhood where every additional family increases the burden of the family. Bernard’s mother, Martha, is very strict on her daughter – in – law. Since Doris is close to the age of 40, she will not have the stamina to help accomplish the chores. Moreover, Martha is worried about Doris giving birth for the family at an old age. According to Kamaus’ parents, Muthoni, Kamau’s wife, was always well treated by Kamau’s parents. Muthoni gave birth to a baby when Kamau left the family to detention camp. She chose to leave because it was extremely difficult and hectic for her to take care and feed the baby without her husband’s support and help. Therefore, both protagonists lose their desired partners mainly because of their financial matters. In the difficult maters, people have difficulties in finding their true love because they should prioritize their lives first. The personalities of both protagonists have a big difference in terms of pursuing their love. When Martha asked Bernard to leave Doris, and marry Marie, he took action immediately. Bernard’s relationship is so fragile since when he missed his partner. However with Kamau, he was serious