* The Setting: The story takes place during the Great Depression, a time of immense economic hardship and social upheaval. People were desperate, frustrated, and angry. This created fertile ground for scapegoating, as it's often easier to blame someone else for your problems than to accept responsibility for your own situation.
* The Characters: Many characters in the story are filled with resentment and anger, searching for an outlet for their frustrations.
* The Narrator: He feels deeply affected by the Depression and resents those who he perceives as having it easier. He blames the "rich" and the "powerful," believing they are the ones who caused the economic downfall.
* The Gang: The gang members are characterized by their own rage and frustration, and they vent this on anyone they can, especially those who are different or weaker. This is evident in their hostility towards the Jewish community and their violence against the immigrants.
* Social and Economic Inequality: The Depression exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities. The narrative highlights the disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished, fueling the resentment felt by many towards those perceived as being privileged. This resentment becomes a catalyst for scapegoating, as people look for someone to hold responsible for their plight.
* Prejudice and Discrimination: The story portrays prejudice and discrimination against different groups, including Jews and immigrants. This pre-existing bias serves as a convenient target for the anger and frustration of the characters, allowing them to direct their blame towards vulnerable groups rather than addressing the systemic issues at play.
Ultimately, the search for someone to blame in "Prelude" is a symptom of the larger societal anxieties and frustrations of the time. It reflects a desperate need for someone to hold responsible for the hardships of the Great Depression, even if that responsibility is misdirected.