Perspectives

Literary period 

Kate Nivison’s short story “Just below the Surface” fits the literary movement called modernism, as it explores current issues such as prejudice against immigrants and cultural identity. 

Other modernist elements are the use of a first-person narration, which focuses on the subjective experience of the main character and her emotional turmoil, and the use of symbols that readers must reflect on to understand the deeper meaning of the story.

The setting of the story is the big city, which is another characteristic of modernist fiction.

Current issues

Although Kate Nivison wrote her short story “Just below the Surface” in 1993, the issues she presents are relevant today, both in the UK and internationally. Racist stereotypes about the social and cultural norms of people of Indian descent are still sadly present in Br...