Setting

Physical setting

The events described in the short story “Ice Cream” by Helen Dunmore take place in a restaurant, where the main character is celebrating her 24th birthday: “The theatre of the restaurant is stilled, silent. The black-clad waiters and waitresses arch over their tables, frozen” (p. 83, ll. 12-14). The restaurant seems to be an expensive one, as suggested by the atmosphere and the appearance of the serving staff. 

The events take place “just before midnight on Clara’s twenty-fourth birthday” (p. 62, l. 1). Midnight marks the start of a new day, which suggests that this is a new beginning for Clara, and she will regain control over her life.

The ice cream that Clara sees and begins to crave is an important part of the setting, as it triggers...