Refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of this story. how do james withencroft's and charles atkinson's actions develop a theme in “august heat”? withencroft works all day to draw the best picture of his life. atkinson works all day to create a tombstone to show his customers. this develops the theme that at the end of the day, hard work is its own reward. withencroft walks to the home of stone carver, charles atkinson. atkinson invites him in but sharpens a knife, making withencroft feel threatened. this develops the theme that people should be wary of kind strangers. withencroft describes the most remarkable day of his life while atkinson goes about his day as he would any other. this develops the theme that people should live each day to the fullest. withencroft draws a picture of a man being sentenced for a terrible crime. the man turns out to be atkinson who, by chance, has carved withencroft's headstone. this develops the theme that some coincidences defy explanation.