Setting

Published in 2012, the short story “Number 40” by Sarah Butler is set in a contem…

...

Physical setting

The physical setting is characterised by a gloomy, rainy atmosphere which suggests unhappy, troublesome events: “She looked instead out of the window at the pavement, which, when she narrowed her eyes enough to blur her vision, turned into a continuous grey line.” (ll. 12-14)

The events take place on the bus, at the character’s office, on the street her house is supposed to be, and inside a neighbour’s house. Additionally, the character’s house and the setting of Santorini appear in Melissa’s memories.

The set…

...

Social setting

The social setting illustrates aspects related to postmodern society and relationships. The aspects related to postmodern society are the depiction of daily stress and the way people take refuge …