The Ransom of Red Chief Theme of Violence

In a story about what happens after a kidnapping, one might expect at least some level of violence. The beautiful thing about our story is that the violence concerned is not at all what one might expect. Sam and Bill are criminals, but clearly not hardened, as they can't really seem to believe the violence being inflicted upon them at the hands of their victim. The violence in this story leads to emotional turmoil—the emotional turmoil of the kidnappers, not that of their so called victim.

1. Should the first occurrence of violence inflicted by Johnny have been an indication for what Sam and Bill could expect?
2. Does the violence exhibited by Johnny diminish our sympathy for the boy, and why?
3. Does the violence exhibited by Jonny diminish our sympathy for Sam and Bill, and why?
4. Is there any indication why Johnny is such a violent boy, how does this inform us about his character?

The violence is funny because it's inflicted on "bad" people.

The violence isn't funny. Instead, it makes us more sympathetic to the protagonists.