I found it interesting that this story was intended to be for children. The people's treatment of the old man who falls from the sky is harsh and inhumane. They keep him in a chicken coop where his health begins to fail him and he becomes dirty and weak. The people from the town come to see him and eventually the family who is keeping him begins to charge them, using the man as a profit. However, when the circus comes to town, the people are no longer as interested in the man with wings and the family begins to feel as if he is a burden on them. They begin to wish that they did not have to care for him anymore. The man begins to regain his strength and eventually is able to fly away in a scene that seems of little importance - the wife simply sees him leave and feels better that he is finally gone.
I think that the author's intention for this story is to illustrate adult's judgement of others. For all they knew, the man could have been an angel. However their preconceived notions of what an angel is supposed to look like did not match what they saw. Children, on the other hand, do not have judge as harshly - they love no matter what someone looks like. This is the theme that the author is trying to illustrate to the reader - that our judgements of others can inhibit the love for mankind that we are supposed to posses.
I find it interesting as well that this story was meant for children because I see it more of a life lesson story for adults as well.I agree that this story was about life's unfairness and how inhumane society can be.I also agree with the theme you found. I think a lot of times people judge one another by what they see on the outside rather than getting to know a person and seeing how good of a heart one might have.I also like how you gave a little summary in your post to remind us of what the story is about.
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