Something Wicked This Way Come Analysis

Despite their differences, all people share a common desire to attain happiness and peace of mind. People often try to change aspects of themselves or their lives in order to meet this desire; however, the true key to happiness is acceptance of oneself (Constantakis). In the novel Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury, a supernatural carnival has come to the town of Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway. The carnival represents all of the evil and temptation in the world, and the characters of the novel learn to overcome this temptation with acceptance and fortitude. In the novel, the progression towards true happiness is characterized by themes of fear, temptation, and eventual acceptance of life. Death and the unknown are common terrors that have plagued the lives of everybody at some point or another. The same goes for fourteen-year-old Will Halloway and his father Charles. At the beginning of the novel, Will is portrayed as a good-natured innocent boy (Comstantakis). He does not understand nor does he want to understand the evils of the world. He is scared of that which he does not understand and does not want to grow up lest he be exposed to the true nature
Towards the end of the novel, the characters finally understand the importance of accepting and appreciating what they already have. Will becomes much braver and has accepted the reality of the world and all of the evils in it. Charles and Jim have both accepted who they are and have come to terms with themselves. They understand the importance of good and evil and realize that the only way to fight despair is with happiness (Constantakis). They have discovered that everyone has the potential to direct their own life and that there is no need to fear the unknown. In order to live life to the fullest, people must live in the present and appreciate what they have instead of focusing on what they wish they