Structure

“Number 40” by Sarah Butler follows a woman named Melissa during a day in her life when an extraordinary event takes place—her house disappears without a trace of ever having been there.

The plot is enhanced through various symbols which direct readers from the external events to the woman’s inner conflicts: her doubts about her relationsh…

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Beginning

The short story begins with an exposition which presents the main character, and the context of the events. On her way to work, a woman realises she has acciden…

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Middle

The middle of the short story comprises the rising action and the climax. The rising action first explores the woman’s conflicts.

From her memories we find out that her relationship with Simon is based on compromise; that Melissa does not like the house they bought, but also that she feels insecure about his loyalty:

If it had been just her, she would never have bought the house ‒ a tall, pompous terrace with stucco pillar…

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Ending

The ending of the short story includes the falling action and the resolution which overlap.

As Melissa watches the man who looks like Simon enter his house, she notices the same table that Simon bought: “As he opened the d…