The role of the troll

Another aspect you should discuss in your analytical essay is the role of the troll in the short story “Shouting at cars” by Adam Marek. As we have mentioned in previous sections of the study guide, the troll is a very symbolic character. He can be a symbol for those who are not accepted by society. The troll can be a metaphor for anyone that stands out from the crowd. It may be a disabled or mentally ill person, a vagrant, a criminal, anyone who does not fit society’s norms.

From a narrative point of view, the role of the troll in the story is to push forward the plot. Without the existence of the troll and later his death, the story could not have progressed. Subsequently, the existence of the troll is the element that creates the intrigue.

Apart for his narrative function and his symbolic...