Short Story: ‘Blood Brothers’
Summary
This story is about two brothers Paul and Benjy. Both brothers can be considered to be ‘Blood
Brothers’ because they are thirteen year old twins. Despite the fact that Paul and Benjy are twins;
they both display different personality traits. Paul is an introvert who loves nature and he loves to
contemplate about life. Whereas, Benjy is Paul’s polar opposite. This further reinforces that
although both boys are genetically related that is where the commonality ends. Benjy is an
extrovert who is very carefree and fun loving. However, Paul thinks his brother believes he is
superior and as a result he grows to hate him. Paul is conflicted about his feelings because deep
down he wants Benjy to be his friend and confidant. The story ends with Paul attacking Benjy.
Benjy is surprised and confused because he did not know or understand why Paul reacted in this
way.
Characters
Paul:
Paul is an introvert.
He is artistic and he paints pictures
He loves nature.
He is also very reflective. He contemplates nature as well as his feeling towards his
brother.
He dislikes Benjy’s ability to accomplish simple tasks quickly.
He resents Benjy because he reminds him of his own short comings.
He envies Benjy and his envy turns to hate.
He thought Benjy feels he is superior to him.
Benjy:
He is an extrovert and carefree
He is confident.
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He is a typical boy, very active, adventurous and always exploring.
He is ignorant to his brother’s disdain for him.
He felt he is superior to Paul.
He mocks Paul.
Mac:
He is an old shoe maker in the village. Both boys go to visit him.
Narrative Point of View:
Third Person Narrative
Setting: The story takes place in an unnamed village.
Conflict: Paul envies Benjy carefree personality as a result of this he grew to hate Benjy. This
hate resulted in him attacking his brother.
Themes:
Love and family relationships
Childhood Experiences
Appearance vs Reality
Jealousy
Sibling Rivalry
Hatred
Guilt
Narrative Techniques:
Use of Contrast
Use of Child Narrator
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Use of Flashback
Use of Figurative Language
Figurative Language
Simile
Personification
Contrast
Oxymoron
Metaphor
Alliteration
Symbolism (The casuarina tree and the appearance it takes on at both night and day time
in many ways mirrors Paul’s change in mood when he and Benjy are at Mac’s. The
angelic appearance of the tree during the day in many ways mirrors how Paul lives his
life. However the appearance that the tree takes on in the evening when it is dark also
mirrors Paul’s reaction to Benjy when Benjy asks him to play with him.)
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