The Elephant Vanishes | Themes

The Elephant Vanishes Themes

Imbalance

One of the major themes of the story is the idea of things being out of balance. This theme is introduced when the narrator tells the editor about the importance of unity in kitchen design, as he states, “Even the most beautifully designed item dies if it is out of balance with its surroundings.” The narrator later emphasizes the importance of balance between a creature and its environment when he talks about witnessing the change in the elephant's size in relation to the keeper's size. He states that the balance in size between the two has become more equal, because the elephant has shrunk or the keeper has gotten bigger, or both. Following the disappearance of the elephant and the keeper, the narrator again expresses the idea that “things around me have lost their proper balance.” He is no longer able to take action on his own behalf, as he...
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