I recently read a short story titled “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” by Evan Hunter. In this essay, my objective is to discuss the significance of love, which serves as a key theme in this particular story.
This analysis focuses on the impact of the event on the plot, Andy, other characters, symbols, and the setting. In the story, Andy, a member of the Royals, is stabbed by a gang member of the Guardians in an alley. Despite being in need of help, only a few individuals approach, but upon realizing Andy’s affiliation with the Royals, they choose not to assist him.
Shortly after a few individuals passed by, the protagonist exerted all his strength to remove his jacket and position himself away from it. As he grew closer to death, his girlfriend, Laura, arrived and noticed his bleeding condition. Consequently, she sought the assistance of a police officer. Unfortunately, upon their return, he had already passed away. For the purpose of my analysis, I will initially focus on the story’s plot, which prominently features a profound love between the primary characters, Andy and Laura.
Laura is the singular individual in this narrative who acquaints Andy by his true identity rather than solely as a member of the monarchy. She also possesses the singular concern for Andy in this account, exemplified by her act of urgently summoning law enforcement upon discovering his bleeding condition. “I love you, Laura” comprises a quotation from this brief anecdote, which serves to demonstrate the genuine love and care between Andy and Laura as evident in his final moments, where his sole thoughts are fixated on her. This subsequent passage revolves around Andy’s profound affection and concern for Laura.
This paragraph is crucial to my theme of love as it showcases the aspects of love within a short story. Initially, Andy finds joy in his affiliation with the gang, yet he simultaneously envisions a life with Laura. His desires encompass marrying Laura, starting a family together, and relocating to a different place.
