Analysis

The analysis of the short story “Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story” by Paul Auster follows a non-linear plot structure. The story begins in the present, but moves towards the past, alternating between flashbacks and the present time.

The main characters in the story are Paul (the narrator) and Auggie Wren. Auggie is initially described from Paul’s perspective, but then he becomes the narrator in the second part of the story. 

The physical setting is Brooklyn, New York, during contemporary times. Auggie’s story takes place in the 1970s. Time is an important concept in the story, as the main character is obsessed with the passing of time.

The story is mainly told by a first-person narrator. The story switches narrators for a while when Auggie Wren tells his Christmas story. 

The language is casual and conversational, although at times the author also uses complex vocabulary. The story makes use of dialogue, which gives it a dynamic feel and allows the flashback scene to be told through Auggie’s voice and point of view.

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