What is the theme of Nethergrave?
I have read this story recently. I have found that the most prominent theme is "You can't trust everyone", but most stories, like this one, have more than one.
The theme of the short story "Nethergrave" is the escape from reality through fantasy and virtual worlds.
To determine the theme of a story, it's important to analyze the main ideas, messages, and recurring motifs present in the text. In the case of the story "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski, there are several possible themes that one can explore.
1. Escapism and Virtual Reality: One theme in "Nethergrave" is the concept of escapism through virtual reality. The story follows Jeremy, a lonely teenager who finds solace in an online fantasy game called "Nethergrave." Through this game, Jeremy is able to escape his dull, real-life existence for a more exciting and adventurous world. The theme of escapism through technology is illustrated as Jeremy becomes increasingly dependent on the game to avoid his own reality.
2. The Consequences of Isolation: Another theme is the negative impact of isolation. Jeremy's real-life loneliness and lack of social interaction drive him to immerse himself in the virtual world of "Nethergrave." This theme highlights the potential dangers of isolating oneself from genuine human connections and the possible consequences that can arise from such isolation.
3. The Importance of Real-Life Relationships: A third theme is the significance of real-life relationships over virtual connections. As Jeremy becomes engrossed in the virtual world, he begins to neglect and dismiss the importance of real-life relationships. The story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections and the dangers of substituting them with virtual interactions.
By examining the story's plot, character development, and the ideas conveyed, readers can interpret the themes and draw conclusions about the underlying messages presented in "Nethergrave."
Make sure you are crystal clear on the meaning of "theme" -- http://literary-devices.com/content/theme
Since I don't know this title (nor the author!), I don't know, but if you have read the work and understand what "theme" means, you should be able to figure it out. (Hint: There are usually more than one theme in any story/book/poem/play/whatever.)