The Small One (1978) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in the Galilean countryside near Nazareth, within the Herodian kingdom of ancient Judea. This rural region is characterized by small villages, pastoral landscapes, and a simple lifestyle rooted in tradition and faith. The setting reflects the everyday world of ordinary people during this historical period.

• galilee
• nazareth
• ancient judea
• herodian kingdom
• setting
• rural

The story is set in the 1st century AD during the period of Roman occupation in Judea. This era was marked by cultural transition and holds significant historical and religious importance, including the early years of Christianity and Roman influence on local society.

• 1st century
• roman occupation
• ancient times
• Judea
• historical period

The movie centers on two primary themes: compassion and hope. Compassion is demonstrated through characters who show kindness and empathy, particularly toward the vulnerable. Hope is symbolized by a bright star that guides characters toward better futures, representing divine intervention and optimistic perseverance through difficult circumstances.

• compassion
• hope
• kindness
• themes
• empathy
• symbolism

A bright star appears in the story as a symbol of hope and guidance, leading characters toward better futures. Its appearance signifies divine intervention and reinforces themes of trust and faith, particularly in challenging moments. The star serves as a visual representation of optimistic perseverance.

• star
• hope
• symbolism
• guidance
• divine
• Bethlehem

The boy is a young, caring protagonist voiced by Sean Marshall who demonstrates loyalty and kindness throughout his journey. He ethically tries to save his beloved donkey Small One from being sold and shows emotional depth and compassion. His innocence and hope drive the story's moral message about caring for others.

• boy
• protagonist
• Sean Marshall
• kindness
• loyalty
• compassion

The kind man, voiced by Gordon Jump, is a compassionate traveler seeking a gentle donkey to carry his pregnant wife to Bethlehem. He represents kindness and faith, offering Small One a new, caring home. He is clearly meant to represent Joseph, the husband of Mary.

• Joseph
• kind man
• buyer
• Bethlehem
• pregnant wife
• faith
• compassion

The auctioneer, voiced by Hal Smith, is a skeptical and dismissive character who initially ridicules Small One at the market. He embodies societal indifference toward the vulnerable. His interaction with Small One also reveals a humorous side when he gets unexpectedly kicked off the stage.

• auctioneer
• Hal Smith
• skepticism
• market
• indifference

The boy lives in a simple, pastoral world in ancient Galilean villages where life is grounded in tradition and faith. This is a rural society with close-knit communities, agricultural rhythms, and deep religious roots. The setting reflects an era of cultural transition under Roman occupation.

• village
• pastoral
• ancient life
• rural
• tradition
• faith
• galilee

The movie has a hopeful and gentle tone overall. While the boy experiences sadness and rejection, the narrative is underpinned by kindness and culminates in a positive, happy resolution. The emotional weight is light, with moments of melancholy serving to contrast the ultimate kindness that prevails.

• tone
• hopeful
• gentle
• emotional
• happy ending
• kindness

Bethlehem is significant because it is the destination where the kind traveler takes Small One. According to the story, he needs the donkey to carry his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem, which connects the film's narrative to the biblical account of Jesus's birth.

• Bethlehem
• journey
• Mary
• significance
• biblical connection