logo

27 pages 54 minutes read

Donald Barthelme

Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1973

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

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?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 27 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools