Structure

The short story “Celia Behind Me” by Isabel Huggan has a linear plot structure. The narrative starts with an introduction, which describes Celia and outlines Elizabeth’s dislike of her (ll. 1-23). 

There are several elements of foreshadowing in the story. For instance, Elizabeth’s comparison of Celia’s head with melons (ll. 13-14) immediately after the description of the car crash involving Elizabeth’s aunts, whose heads were “smashed like overripe melons” (l. 10) foreshadows Elizabeth threatening Celia she will smash her head like a melon (l. 129). Also, Elizabeth’s mother warning her that one day she will see how Celia feels being bullied (ll. 38-39) foreshadows Sandra and the other children mocking Elizabeth along with Celia (ll. 89-95). 

Elizabeth’s inner conflict reaches a peak when she realizes t...