# Family Obligation and Support in Fred Gross Stories

> Theme guide for Fred Gross Stories by Ring Lardner.

The letters to Brother Charley are a lifeline for Fred, who shares his triumphs and troubles, and also a source of potential financial support. The theme of family duty is evident when Fred asks Charley for a loan, and in the disappointment when Charley refuses, showing the strain that money can place on even close family bonds.

## Where it surfaces

- [War Bribes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fred_gross_stories_se/chapters/war-bribes): Fred asks Charley for a loan, and Grace's father provides money for her birthday.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fred_gross_stories_se/themes/family_obligation_and_support
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fred_gross_stories_se/themes