4-Breakfast by John Steinbeck
THEME OF THE STORY OR A STORY OF SIMPLE PEOPLE (V.IMP)
Q: What is the theme or central idea of the story? OR What type of people has been presented in the story? OR Why can the writer not forget his meeting with the simple villagers? Discuss. OR “That’s all”, says the narrator almost at the end of story, “I know, of course, some of the reasons why it was pleasant.” Discuss.
Answer: “Breakfast” is a story of common people. It is a critique of modern civilization which has lost touch with the contentment and little joys of life around it.
Once, the writer went for a walk. He happened to see a woman who was nursing her infant as well as preparing breakfast for the family near a tent. An old man and a young man came out of the tent. They invited the writer to share their breakfast. He accepted their invitation. They all enjoyed their breakfast. The old man enjoyed chewing and swallowing the breakfast.The old man was thankful to God for providing them 12 days’ work. He thanked God by uttering these words. “God Almighty, its good we have been eating good for 12 days.” After the breakfast, the young man offered the writer to go with them if he wanted to work but the writer thanked them for their kindness. The writer concludes: “Contentment is the greatest wealth.” The writer cannot forget his meeting with these simple villagers. They believe in “The dignity of labour.” (Words: 182)
The New Constitution by Manto: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/07/18/the-new-constitution-by-manto/
Notes on English Literature: http://englishlitnotes.com