THEMES - THEME ANALYSIS

Major Theme

The major theme of The Cider House Rules is that individuals define their own rules. Society through class, culture, and legislation dictates rules but ultimately each individual defines the rules by which to act and live. In The Cider House Rules, rules permeate the novel. These rules can be simply stated, like those posted in the cider house, but the implementation of those rules is much more complicated. The complexity that results from living by the rules the characters set for themselves symbolize the difficult issue of abortion. Irving creates a dialog about abortion to show..........

Minor Theme

Irving talks about choices or lack of choices throughout the novel. Homer has very few choices at St. Cloud's. His choice for friendship is limited to Melony. His choice of occupation is limited to being a doctor. His choice of medicine is limited to obstetrics. On the other hand, Candy and Wally have always had choices open to them. They chose not..........

POINT OF VIEW

The Cider House Rules is told from the point of view of an omniscient narrator. Irving's narrator not only reports the activities of the characters but is...........

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