Snowdrops ~ Leslie Norris

Snowdrops ~ Leslie Norris
The loss of innocence is a major theme in this short story. The young boy begins his day wanting to see the Snowdrop flowers and is then forced to grow up after seeing the confronting image of his beloved teacher, Miss Webster, quivering and crying over the death of her boyfriend.

This young boy is still living in his own fantasy, childhood world and struggles to comprehend the difference between emotional pain and physical pain. His ignorance is visible when tasting cold bacon and being amazed at the difference after only a change in temperature.

Edmund is the same age as the other young boy, however his maturity and worldly understanding separates him from the young boy. Edmund seems to have lost some of his innocence and this is clear through his explanation of the funeral. 

Snowdrops are fragile looking flowers that are actually standing very strong and are battling the harsh winter conditions. In this short story, the Snowdrops are similar to Miss Webster who appears weak, however she is still hiding and holding back large amounts of grief and pain and that takes a lot of courage to stay strong.