Analysis

An analysis of the short story “I Don’t Dream of Genie” by Chad Pelley shows that the plot has a non-traditional structure. Sherry’s account follows a stream-of-consciousness pattern, moving from one thought or event to the next. The events are presented in reverse chronological order, symbolizing Sherry’s wish to move backward in time.

The main character in the story is Sherry, who is also the narrator. Sherry works as a Santa Claus in a shopping mall and misses her ex, Gene. Most of the story revolves around her failed attempt to reconnect with Gene in dreams and her frustration at being unable to do so. 

The events take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, where the mall is located, as well as Tennessee, USA, where Sherry flies for the lucid dreaming seminar. The social setting involves long-term relationships and separation. Attitudes to grief and being single are also aspects of the social setting. 

The story is told from the point of view of a first-person narrator, who is also the main character. The narrator’s account is heavily influenced by her emotions, and there are signs that she may be unreliable.

The language is informal, giving a strong impression of casual conversation. The use of slang words and the references to pop culture offer further insight into the main character’s personality.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.

Short story analysis

I denne vejledning får du Studienets hjælp til at analysere noveller (short stories) i engelsk.