Theme

The short story “Autumn Evening” by Langston Hughes deals with the theme of loss and moving on. The theme of loss is reflected in Mary’s reactions to meeting Bill again and in her attempts to reconnect with him.

Mary’s relationship with Bill ended abruptly, for reasons that are not specified in the story. The outcome of the end of their relationship is that Mary marries “a man she thought she loved”. This is one sign that suggests Mary regrets her choices.

Although her conversation with Bill is polite and matter-of-fact, Mary’s sense of loss can be seen in her reaction to the autumn evening: “The leaves fell slowly from the trees in the Square. Fell without wind. Autumn dusk. She felt a little sick.” The falling leaves seem to remind Mary of her sense of ...