27 pages54 minutes read

Donald Barthelme

Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1973

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Essay Topics

1.

Analyze the use of absurdity in “Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby.” How does the absurd nature of the plot contribute to the story’s overarching themes and messages?

2.

Evaluate the dynamics of the group in the story. How do their interactions and group decisions reflect societal norms and the concept of conformity?

3.

Explore the character of Colby. Despite being the central figure, he is largely passive. How does his character contribute to the story’s theme of Dehumanization and the Erosion of Individuality?

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