Setting

Physical setting

The short story “The Knife Thrower” by Steven Millhauser appears to take place in the 20th century. It is mentioned several times throughout the story (p. 47, ll. 30-32; p. 55, ll. 32-26) that circus performances are outdated and a performer has to do something outstanding to get noticed, which suggests that there are other forms of competing entertainment, such as movies, TV, etc. The main events takes place on a Saturday night at eight o’clock, over the course of a few hours in the theater where Hensch gives his performance. This draws the readers in, making them feel like they are part of the audience.

The story takes place in a small town, as suggested by the sense that a lot of people know each other. The atmosphere on the stage is carefully designed to increase the suspense. This gradual increase in suspense leads to rising excitement in the audience, keeping them passive.

The use of effects such as lighting, clothing, and the paleness of the participants is also designed to awaken certain thoughts and feelings in his audience. For instance:

There was the knife thrower bathed in blood-light, there was the pale victim m...