Final answer:
The theme of “The Balek Scales” is the exploitation and injustice faced by the lower classes, showcasing the corruption and manipulation employed by the wealthy elite to maintain power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of “The Balek Scales” revolves around the exploitation and injustice experienced by the lower class at the hands of the wealthy elite. The story, written by Heinrich Böll, presents a young protagonist who discovers that the scales used by the Balek family to weigh the goods gathered by the villagers are rigged to cheat them. The revelation of this deceit leads to a broader commentary on social injustice, the corruption of those in power, and the necessity for societal change.
This narrative also examines how those in control can manipulate systems for their gain to sustain their power, often to the detriment of the less fortunate.
Key Themes
Injustice
- Exploitation of the lower class
- Corruption
Ultimately, “The Balek Scales” encourages readers to question and scrutinize the fairness of societal systems and serves as a call to action against inequality.