Structure

“Joe” by Peter Carey loosely follows the traditional plot elements, but the focus is on the narrator’s perception of his family and his brother.

Title

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Beginning

The short story begins in media res (in the middle of events) during a family scene: “We are quite content. The meal is finished and we have all washed up the dishes together.” (p. 123, ll. 1-2)

The exposition continues with a presentation of the narrator’s family from his point of view: “We stick together through thick and thin. After all, that’s what families are for.” (p. 133, ll. 2-3);

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Middle

Part of the rising action is structured as a backstory as the narrator presents the events of the previous day when it was Joe’s birthday and when he raped Shirley: “Then he went out. It was his birthday tea and no one was too upset, although of course we were.” (p. 134, ll. 21-22); “Harry Bush claims our Joe raped his Shirley during the interval. The picture theatre is just out the back of our place…” (p. 134, ll. 39-40)

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Ending

The short falling action presents the family members watching Joe speechless. The resolution is open, as the father decides to call a lawyer but we do not know...

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