Structure

“Bangana” by CJ Hauser is structured as an inner monologue of the main character, during a few days of the woman’s life. The inner monologue is made up of flashbacks and narrative passages which are combined with some dialogue. The narrative follows the protagonist both at work and at home, but the focus is on her job as a surveillance drone pilot.

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Title

The title of the short story - “Bangana” - is the Pashtu word describing a buzzing wasp. Consequently, it refers to the way the locals in Afghanistan perceive the surveillance drones. However, except for those army persons who 

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Beginning

The short story begins sharply with the protagonist describing how she starts her work day. This direct introduction or exposition hooks readers’ attention who will probably want to find out more: “I commute to war five days a week 

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Middle

The middle of the short story comprises the rising action and the climax. In this particular case, it narrates the main character’s daily routines, mixed with the flashbacks from her recent past such as her boy getting sick after he ate 

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Ending

The short story ends with Alicia going back to work the day after the bombing, surveilling the area one last time and thinking about her next assignment. The ending of the short story lacks a closed resolution. Even though this 

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