Structure

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Beginning

The short story begins with a long exposition in which we are first introduced to the main characters: “Jim Gilmore came to Hortons Bay from Canada. He bought the blacksmith shop from old man Horton.” (ll. 1-2); “Liz Coates worked for Smith's. Mrs. Smith, who was a very large clean woman, said Liz Coates was the neatest girl she'd ever seen.” (ll. 6-7)

The description of the characters foreshadows a conflict, as they are very different from each other. Jim is stereot…

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Middle

The rising action focuses on Liz’s feelings and attitude towards Jim. She becomes increasingly obsessed with him as the story progresses.

As Jim, A. J. Smith, and Charley Wyman prepare for a hunting trip, Liz considers baking Jim something special, but she gives up on this idea, afraid of what Mrs. Smith might think of her: “…afraid to ask Mrs. Smith for the eggs and flour and afraid if she bought them Mrs. Smith would catch her cooking.” (ll. 48-49)

While the men are on the hunting trip, Liz thinks about Jim. This creates a tension point: “When she saw the wagon coming down she felt weak and sick sort of inside. She couldn't wait till she saw Jim and it seemed as though everything would be all right when he came.” (ll. 56-59)

The fact that Liz feels sick foreshadows the fact that the story is not going to have a happy ending, as Li…

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Ending

In the falling action, Jim falls asleep on top of Liz and she manages to release herself of the weight of his body. Although she is crying she seemingly acts in a loving way towards Jim as he sleeps: “Liz leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He was still asleep. She lifted his head a little and shook it. He…