Structure

Lucy Caldwell’s short story “Cyprus Avenue” has an unusual and intriguing structure, especially because of the unique narrative technique used to tell it. Furthermore, the story is less focused on a traditional plot and instead emphasises the inner conflicts of the two main characters who both feel like they live in the shadow of their dead sibli…

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Beginning

The short story begins with the main character imagining phoning her mother in December and trying to tell her she is not coming home for Christmas: “December has always been hard, but this year will be the hardest December yet. (...) and you’ll find yourself saying on the phone to your mum: I might not actually be able to get home.” (ll. 1-4)

The beginning of the short story hooks readers’ attention through the …

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Middle

The rising action focuses on the interactions between the main character and Nirupam Choudhury.

Tension is introduced from their first interaction, when the main character unexpectedly discovers that the Indian man she just met is actually Irish: “In an instant, he’ll see that you are taken aback at his accent and you’ll see him see it, and he’ll smile again, a smaller, tighter smile this time.” (ll. 40-41)

Laughing at the bartender and provoking him, the two of them probably begin to flirt as indicated by their actions and attitude: “…and the two of you will smile at each other as the barman lists the soft drinks available…” (ll. 48-49); “…he will offer to buy you a drink. Say yes. Don’t even say yes, just don’t say no. Hesitate, that will be enough.” (ll. 55-57)

Another tension poi…

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Ending

In the falling action, the main character invites Nirupam and his mother to come over for a drink on Christmas Eve with her parents. It turns out to be a success because they all share memories together: “You’ll talk about Janey, of course, and Mr Choudhury, and Nisha. But you’ll talk of other things, too, of London, and books, and the way Belfast’s changing.” (ll. 144-145)

We also find out that the day a…