Theme Vs Moral

The short story, "Guests of the Nation" by Frank O'Connor shows a clear theme; however, does not show a clear moral, again proving that themes and morals are not synonymous. Throughout the short story, the theme develops as a dilemma between a higher command, and moral. The exposition explains how two British soldiers are captured by the Irish Republican Army. Quickly, the two British soldiers become friends with the three members of the IRA. In the rising action, the members of the IRA find out that British soldiers had executed a few Irish hostages. This meant that the IRA members had to execute the two British soldiers. At this time, they had to make a decision; whether to follow their moral codes, or follow their duty. “Why did any of us want to plug him? What had he done to us? Weren't we all chums? Didn't we understand him and didn't he understand us? Did we imagine for an instant that he'd shoot us for all the so-and-so officers in the so-and-so British Army?" (O'Connor 23) The Irishmen clearly are confused and unsure of the situation. They have been commanded to kill two of their really good friends, which is a tough decision for anyone. The author decides to choose duty over moral, by having the IRA members shoot the both British soldiers. In this short story, there is no clear lesson that can be taken away, which means there is no also no clear moral. This short story again proves that morals and themes are not synonymous