I don't get the message or theme of the short story by Susan Michalski "The wrong place". I am suppose to identify figurative elements used in the story that help identify the theme. I have identified simile -like acrobats, bank of clouds fluffy as eiderdown, imagery pushed her way free from mangles seat and clawed way out but still not sure of theme.

What is the story about? What happens? Why does it happen? The theme may be in the "why." Apparently none of us tutors know the story, but you should be able to figure it out. :)

What is theme to The Wrong Place?

"The Wrong Place" by Susan Michalski is a short story that explores the theme of displacement and the search for a sense of belonging. This theme is conveyed through various figurative elements used in the story.

The similes you mentioned, such as "like acrobats" and "fluffy as eiderdown," contribute to the theme by highlighting the protagonist's longing for a place where she can feel comfortable and at ease. The comparison to acrobats implies a sense of grace and expertise, suggesting that she is searching for a place where she can feel skillful and accepted. The imagery of the fluffy bank of clouds, on the other hand, depicts a comforting and soft environment that contrasts with the protagonist's current situation, emphasizing her desire for a different place.

Additionally, the figurative language used during the protagonist's struggle to find her way out, such as "pushed her way free from mangles seat and clawed way out," symbolizes her determination to escape her current circumstances and find a place that feels right. This imagery contributes to the overall theme of displacement by illustrating her active pursuit of a place where she belongs.

In summary, the theme of "The Wrong Place" revolves around displacement and the search for belonging. This theme is enhanced through the use of similes, such as "like acrobats" and "fluffy as eiderdown," as well as imagery that portrays the protagonist's struggle to find her way out and find a place where she can feel comfortable.

To understand the theme of a story, it can be helpful to analyze the figurative elements used and how they contribute to the overall meaning. In the short story "The Wrong Place" by Susan Michalski, there are several figurative elements that can help identify the theme.

Let's start by examining the similes you have identified: "like acrobats" and "fluffy as eiderdown." Similes compare two things using "like" or "as" to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. In this story, the acrobats simile may suggest that the situation or events the characters find themselves in require skill and precision, much like the movements of acrobats. The second simile, describing the bank of clouds as fluffy as eiderdown, emphasizes the dreamlike and ethereal quality of the setting, potentially highlighting the theme of escapism or the desire to find comfort in an imagined world.

Additionally, the imagery you mentioned, such as "pushed her way free from mangles seat and clawed way out," adds to the sensory experience of the story. This imagery could suggest a sense of struggle or the difficulty of escaping an undesirable situation, further reinforcing the theme of seeking liberation or a sense of belonging.

Considering these figurative elements together, the theme of "The Wrong Place" could be interpreted as the search for freedom, belonging, or a place where one feels they truly belong. The characters might be looking for an escape from their current realities or seeking a place where they can be their authentic selves.

Remember, analyzing figurative language is just one aspect of understanding a theme. It's important to also consider the characters, their motivations, the plot, and any other literary devices or narrative elements used in the story.