Something Wicked This Way Comes Charles Halloway Theme

1262 Words3 Pages

In Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury, Charles Halloway does not know how to express his feelings and is fighting within himself. Due to the fact he does not know how to extend out to others he is distant. He fears that he is too old to bond with his son, and he also fears death. Later on he figures himself out and starts to accept himself and life. Charles Halloway overcomes his own fears and inner emotions which he struggled to grasp and comprehend. To be human is to feel emotions such as envy, sadness, anger, fear, and happiness. At one point or another, people feel as if life is spiralling out of control without having a grasp of their emotions. Charles Halloway fears the idea of dying and the effects of aging. Even though …show more content…

They instantly seek help from Charles, who according to Barth, “despite his self-image will try at all means to protect his family.” While Mr.Dark offers Charles a ride backwards on the carousel to become younger, he concludes that the boys are hiding inside the library and away from Mr.Dark. Even though he is tempted by the offer he refuses since he will not give up his son nor his friend. Eventually, Mr.Dark gives up on him and looks for the boys. When Mr.Dark finds the boys he sends the witch to slowly kill Charles Halloway. As the witch is slowing down his heart he starts to give into death, but then starts laughing and realizes “life in the end seemed a prank” (pg. 229) and death was indomitable. As he laughs, he acknowledges the fact that the witch’s powers become weak from joy and happiness. When he is liberated from the witch’s magic he runs to help Will and Jim. While Charles Halloway is calm and collective under pressure, Will starts to act his age hysterical and uncomposed. When Jim is on the ground unmovable and presumed dead by Will, he starts crying. Charles yells at him to compose himself and to stop crying for that will be of no help to Jim. Charles reveals to Will that the only way to save Jim is through laughter and love for that is how the carnival will be defeated. Demons live through pain and suffering, so they will give them none of that. Charles then pushes Will to run and sing along with him, but Will shakes his head claiming it is silly. He continues to push Will to be silly and as the time goes by Will starts smiling and both are running around singing, dancing, making faces, and laughing. As their joy and laughter grows Jim starts to come back to consciousness and joins in on the fun. While all this is happening Charles starts to become content with

Open Document