The Stones Analysis
Anthony Smith
English 12 AP
Period 1
The Stones Analysis
“The Stones” is a flash fiction by Richard Shelton. This story takes place in the reader’s mind as he or she imagines a presence in the desert. Here, one is supposed to watch the stones grow. These stones are the young stones. The ones that don’t grow here are the old stones. Young stones are used to represent young people who are just beginning their lives, and the old stones represent old people who have stopped living their lives and have become sedentary. ‘Stones’ is the key word in this passage because it refers to the idea that the old people will stop living their lives and will become sedentary. They take no adventures and sit there like stones. Also, the young stones are the young people who will live their lives but will eventually become stones like their elders. In this piece of flash fiction, the young stones grow best in the desert. What is it about the desert that causes something to flourish? It is the lack of resources as deserts cannot sustain resources well. One of the most noticeable aspects about the desert is the lack of water. In this place, the young stones are more active and “grow better.” The reason for this is that the lack of water causes the young people to become more active as they search for places in which they can find water. Young stones do their best to find out who they truly are and will do whatever to accomplish that goal. “Most young stones have a secret desire,” which is to find answers to life and the reason for their existence. These young people seek knowledge that will answer the questions they have about life. Overall, the kids want to experience change. Most of the young stones have a desire for water, which represents change and the fluidity of the knowledge they receive during their journey through life. On the other hand, the old stones disapprove of this search for change because they have become scared of it and have forgotten the importance
English 12 AP
Period 1
The Stones Analysis
“The Stones” is a flash fiction by Richard Shelton. This story takes place in the reader’s mind as he or she imagines a presence in the desert. Here, one is supposed to watch the stones grow. These stones are the young stones. The ones that don’t grow here are the old stones. Young stones are used to represent young people who are just beginning their lives, and the old stones represent old people who have stopped living their lives and have become sedentary. ‘Stones’ is the key word in this passage because it refers to the idea that the old people will stop living their lives and will become sedentary. They take no adventures and sit there like stones. Also, the young stones are the young people who will live their lives but will eventually become stones like their elders. In this piece of flash fiction, the young stones grow best in the desert. What is it about the desert that causes something to flourish? It is the lack of resources as deserts cannot sustain resources well. One of the most noticeable aspects about the desert is the lack of water. In this place, the young stones are more active and “grow better.” The reason for this is that the lack of water causes the young people to become more active as they search for places in which they can find water. Young stones do their best to find out who they truly are and will do whatever to accomplish that goal. “Most young stones have a secret desire,” which is to find answers to life and the reason for their existence. These young people seek knowledge that will answer the questions they have about life. Overall, the kids want to experience change. Most of the young stones have a desire for water, which represents change and the fluidity of the knowledge they receive during their journey through life. On the other hand, the old stones disapprove of this search for change because they have become scared of it and have forgotten the importance