In the Short story "Secrets" by Bernard McClaverty the themes of guilt, betrayal and deception are explored by looking at the reflection of the relationship between a young boy and his aunt, after her death. The captivating plot and simple, yet clever, language are vital to awareness of human emotions dealt with in the themes of Secrets. Also, the use of a sandwich structure, to show flashbacks, alongside the use of a third person narrative lets the author aid the reader's journey through the story and give a greater understanding of the way which the main character feels deep sorrow towards his aunt, many years after he betrayed her.
The plot of Secrets is one of the most important factors in determining the themes of the story. The story begins by describing the present life of a teenage boy but then goes on to show the complex and changing relationship that he has with his aunt. This bond, once loving and nourishing, went on to become a shadow of its former self following an act of deceit and betrayal. Great Aunt Mary, now dying, had lived a private life. As a child the boy often asked questions about her past, which lead to natural curiosity. On finding an opportunity, when his aunt was out, the boy grasped it and decided to read her private letters, revealing a love affair between herself and a soldier who fought in the war. To the boys dismay he was found red handed by his aunt disobeying her wishes that he should not go through her personal things. From this moment on their relations changed to that of extreme guilt on the boy's behalf and bitterness and resentment from the aunt. The story then returns to the present day, after the aunts death, showing the boy still clinging to the hope that his aunt forgave him before her death.
Language is another key element in MacLaverty's "Secrets" when looking at the themes in the story as it develops a deeper understanding of the characters.