Analysis

Now, we will offer you a glimpse of the aspects we focused on when analysing “Are We Nearly There?” by Kate Smalley Ellis.

The short story follows a simple structure, a single event, and few characters. Using the flashback narrative technique, the author makes the plot more dynamic and symbolic.

The most important character is Jen, the narrator. Her family (her mother, father, and sister) and Simon are relevant for conveying aspects about the social setting, and for showing the way Jen relates to them.

The physical setting where the action takes place is a car on the motorway and later on a forest lane. The social setting conveys aspects related to family relationships, teenage life, and teenage sexuality.

“Are We Nearly There?” is a first-person narration, told from the point of view of the main character, Jen. The narrator is credible thanks to the use of colloquial language, typical of teenagers, and because she recounts a personal experience.

The language is simple and colloquial, making the text accessible and easy to follow. The choice of words is related to driving and sex, reflecting the context of the events and the main character’s thoughts.

You can find the full analysis of the story in the following pages!