In some stories, the positivity is heavily outweighed by the sadness and disappointment, in some there is a closer balance between bleakness and hope, and in others the potential for positive outcomes overrides the sadness. Yet, at the same time, in most stories there are glimpses of hope, optimism, and resilience, despite all the challenges being faced. In each of the stories there are the undercurrents of grief, regret, disconnection and imperfection that flow through any human life. The narratives are intimate, domestic close-ups - often composed more of internal reflections and feelings than active events, though most do include key incidents around which the characters' thoughts emerge.
Often the crisis points are even smaller rarely are the stories about life and death situations, rather they illustrate minuscule but important emotional challenges such as the conflicts and pressures of Christmas and family events. Generally, the stories are centred on small crisis points in individuals' lives, such as when they are waiting for medical tests or results, or have just experienced relationship break-ups. The collection inspires compassion and considers the impact of time and expectation on our relationships. In each story, though, there is an expansion of the characters beyond the roles that they have fallen into, an understanding of their own humanity which allows them to view the humanity in others. “The room is stiff with a charred awkwardness, with languages I can’t speak.This collection of short stories catalogues moments from the dramatic to the mundane.
‘In these stories, hope and despair are perfectly balanced.’ Do you agree?.‘It is often the secondary characters who help convey themes in these stories.’ Discuss.‘ Characters in these stories have little control over their own lives.’ Do you agree?.‘The narrative points of view reveal the characters’ deeply personal responses to life’s challenges.’ Discuss.‘Gender plays no role in the emotional fates of the characters in Like a House on Fire.’ To what extent do you agree?.The protagonist in ‘White Spirit’ describes herself as “a dowdy, sad sparrow amongst peacocks.” How does Kennedy figurative language to communicate her themes?.‘The characters in these stories are all finding ways of “keeping up appearances”.’ Discuss.‘ Like a House on Fire shows that family relationships are never perfect.’ Do you agree?.Like a House on Fire finds strength in ordinary people’.How are the characters in Like A House on Fire trapped by their circumstance?.Cate Kennedy has said ‘I think heroes are people who cope.’ How do the stories in Like a House on Fire illustrate this statement?.(Click here for how to unpack the prompt) In Like a House on Fire, Cate Kennedy finds strength in ordinary people.
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