Themes Portrayed
This is a story where ideas are very important. The most obvious theme is the contrast between appearance and reality - how things seem and how things really are
Darkness and Light
The most important theme in the story would be the theme of darkness and light. This theme is important enough for the author to mention it in her title - it is the literal difference between darkness and light (until line 26 it's the light that Sandra walks in, however from that line onwards the theme of darkness is introduced "Packers End"). A metaphorical contrast between good and evil. Also these two colours are on the opposite end of the spectrum and both colours are associated with different things - white is generally associated with peace, tranquillity and hope whereas black is associated with menace, mourning and death.
Impressions
When Sandra first meets Kerry she instantly stereotypes him to be the normal boy who attends the same school as her however as the story develops we learn that Kerry is quite a mature character who is able to see the darkness in the world. Another character who's first impression is completely different from when she is first introduced is Mrs Rutter. She is introduces as "...the pink and creamy chins..." however as the story develops we learn that she is a cold-blooded, selfish and vengeful woman.
Past, Present and Future
This story contrasts time - the story starts in the present day when Sandra is walking to Mrs Rutter's house. Soon after Sandra imagines the ideal future for herself whereas Mrs Rutter recalls the harsh reality of the past. These tenses vary throughout the story as it starts in the present then in the future ending in a mix of the past and present
Youth and Age
This story challenges the popular stereotype that young people are selfish and irresponsible. It shows that morality depends not on your age but the type of person you are. We have to keep in mind that Mrs Rutter was not an old woman when she left the German to die in pain, making rain the excuse of killing a human. An counter argument can be that this story suggests that young people are better than old people.