Analysis

In this section, we will highlight the elements of our analysis of “Beggarland” by Alan Sillitoe.

The story follows a structure with non-linear elements while including narrative techniques like backstory and foreshadowing.

The characters include Jane, as the main character, and Greta, Angela, Ben, and Tim as secondary characters. Collective characters – the beggars and the people in the underground – also appear in the story.

The events take place in London, where the characters live. The social setting explores aspects related to family and couple relationships, motherhood, personal identity, social and cultural differences, perceptions of homelessness and the practice of begging, and the objectification of women.

The events are described from the point of view of a third-person narrator, who not only describes the events but also voices the main character’s thoughts. The narrator is not always explicit about what happens in the story.

The language used by the narrator is simple; the story is told using a mix of narration and dialogue which makes the story dynamic and helps the author convey more about the characters.

You can read the full analysis in the following pages.

Further help

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