Final answer:
A theme for "Sticks" by George Saunders is the enduring impact of family relationships and the legacies left behind, explored through the symbol of the decorated pole and the transformation of family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
A possible theme for "Sticks" by George Saunders is the impact of parental relationships and the legacies they leave behind. One could argue that the story examines the complexity of familial bonds and the way individuals carry the emotional burdens of their parents. Saunders uses the metaphor of the father's decorated pole to represent the father's rigid control over his family and his failure to express love and affection in conventional ways.
To support this theme, one could look at the recurring language and images within the text. Saunders repeatedly refers to the pole that the father decorates for every holiday, which changes over time as does the father's relationship with his family. The pole's final description, barren except on Veterans' Day, is a powerful symbol of the father's inability to connect and the emotional void he leaves behind.
To elaborate on this theme in an essay, a list of three additional stories that could be used might include: Raymond Carver's "A Small, Good Thing," which also explores the nuances of family and communication; Alice Munro's "The Bear Came Over the Mountain," which delves into memory and loss within families; and Jhumpa Lahiri's "A Temporary Matter," which touches on how secrets and personal grief can impact a relationship.