Themes and message

The main themes of the short story “Number 40” by Sarah Butler are versions of reality, alienation in the postmodern world, and loss. Postmodernism is often associat…

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Versions of reality

The theme of versions of reality is explored in the short story through plot and structure. The story presents an event which is surreal, unlikely, and quite absurd. The main character,…

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Alienation in the postmodern world

The theme of alienation in the postmodern world is explored in the short story through Melissa’s character and the way she relates to her life. In the story, Melissa doesn’t show many initiatives: she goes to a job where she does not feel appreciated, she moves into a house she does not like, all the while she i…

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Loss

The theme of loss is closely connected to that of alienation in postmodern society. Throughout the story, Melissa either loses things or is afraid of losing them. First, we find out that Melissa has forgotten h…