Setting

Physical setting

The events described in the short story “Born Again” by Anne Billson take place in London. This is indicated by the references to Marble Arch (p. 76, l. 15), Oxford Street (p. 77, l. 11), Knightsbridge (p. 82, l. 9), and Brook Street (p. 84, l. 11). When Nancy walks along Oxford Street, the physical setting creates an authentic city atmosphere: “I was going against the morning rush-hour tide; everyone seemed to be headed in the opposite direction. I wasn’t used to walking in such crowds.” (p. 76, ll. 19-21), also setting Nancy apart from the others and highlighting her particular and unusual experience.

The hospital where Nancy is taken after the first attack is an important part of the setting, as it is the place where she finds out she is pregnant. The underground station is where Nancy is attacked the second time, an event which confirms that something unusual is happening. Moreover, in Nan...