Structure

The short story “Legacy” by PR Woods follows a chronological plot structure. Suspense is important in the story, therefore mentions of conflict and foreshadowing are used frequently to capture the interest of the readers.

The beginning of the story offers a description of the food made for the fundraising event:

The spread was as impressive as the ocean itself. Tiny sandwiches shaped like crabs, mini burgers that opened like clams, and a mother and baby pairing of roasted garlic cloves laid to rest on top of a samphire salad. The centrepiece was a towering octopus of molten Belgian chocolate that flowed out over eclair tentacles laid end to end. Behind the ten-foot-long table was a banner, flapping by the open window: Save our oceans with your donations! (ll. 1-5)

The beginning sets the scene and offers readers information about the context in which the events take place. The description of the food in the shape of sea creatures will prove to be important, as many of the people donating to the charity will end up dead after consuming pufferfish venom. However, the focus on the food and drink is also ironic, as the venom is neither in ...