Perspectives

Literary perspective

The short story “Nairobi” by Joyce Carol Oates has several elements of post-modernist literature. One of them is the fact that the story is seen from the perspective of the limited third-person narrator, specifically through Ginny’s eyes. The events are told only from Ginny's point of view, and we only know of them in connection to how they affect her. Another element is the use of informal language, which provides a contrast between Ginny’s inner voice and the upper-class person she is posing as. It also makes the character more approachable.

The fact that the story is anti-climactic is another post-modernist element. The climax of the story is ignored by the main character as it occurs, because it holds no special significance for h...