Analysis

The analysis of the short story “Baglady” by A.S. Byatt shows that it follows a linear, chronological plot structure. The narrative centers around a single event, a shopping trip to the Mall, which turns into a nightmare for the main character.

The main character in the story is Daphne Gulver-Robinson, the wife of Rollo, a director at Doolittle Wind Quietus. The story focuses on her inner conflict, caused by her need to be perceived as upper class by others and the experiences she goes through at the Mall.

The physical setting is the fictional Good Fortune Shopping Mall in an unnamed country in the Far East, possibly Thailand. The social setting explores class differences and gender roles.

The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator. The narrator follows Daphne’s perspective and has access to her thoughts and feelings but is otherwise limited to what Daphne knows.

The language is formal. It helps to portray the upper-class environment of which the main character wants to be a part. 

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following sections.