Setting

Time and physical setting

The physical setting of the short story “How to Lose” by Victoria Patterson is somewhere in modern-day South California. The action of the story mostly takes place in Natalie and Phil’s home, thought we are not given a description of it. The weather on the day when the story takes place is also mentioned: “It’s the usual blue-skied Southern California morning, a few white bushy clouds and the palm fronds shimmering.” (ll. 47-49) It seems to be a typically beautiful and peaceful day, which contrasts the inner conflict of the characters and the dark event in their past.

Social setting

The social setting of the short story centres around mental health and ways of dealing with loss. The main characters have suffered a traumatising loss and are learning how to deal with it. AJ, who is very young and whose mother has died, goes to therapy. This has resulted in strategies f...