Edgar Allan Poe's Short Story 'The Return'

In the short story “The Return,” the detainees feel guilty about leaving their wives and babies back at their village, as well as heartbroken for being separated, but although separated, the detainees still love their families like they would if they were together. One detainee reveals “‘I left her expecting a baby. I have no idea what has happened to her’” (Thiong’o 137). This man left his love to bear and deliver a child by herself, and he feels guilty for subjecting her to the labor pains and other ramifications she will encounter. These men were sent away to a detention camp where they would spend the next five years of their lives. In this camp, these men are isolated and cut off from all outside communication. These detainees have no idea of the health status of their wives and children and this lack of knowledge breaks their hearts. …show more content…
This reveals that the detainees’ hearts ache for the day when they are reunited with their families. These men love their wives and children, whether the kids are unborn or living. Although separated, the detainees still fondly think of their wives they left behind. Kamua tries not to think of Muthoni because he knows he will begin to miss her, but when he does he gets excited to see her again This is revealed when Thiong’o writes “His heart beat faster. He felt desire and a warmth thrilled through him” (Thiong’o 137). Simply thinking about his wife makes Kamua realize how his love for her has survived the past five years of his absence. Although the detainees feel guilty for leaving their wives, this guilt is masked by both heartbreak and