Analysis

Here you can find the main topics we focus on in our analysis of “Pretending to Know the Words” by Helen Cooper.

The short story is structured using narrative techniques like fragmentation, red herring, foreshadowing, and plot twist. In addition to this, the story also contains the elements of a traditional plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The most important character in the short story “Pretending to Know the Words” by Helen Cooper is Luis Recoba. The other football players or Luis’ absent mother help build the social setting.

The most important elements of the physical setting are Luis’ house, the football pitch, the bar, and the hospital. The social setting illustrates aspects connected to the life of football players, the status of the foreigner, family relationships, success, and depression.

“Pretending to Know the Words” is a third-person narration. The narrator is outside the events and uses the perspective of the main character to convey the story.

The language of the short story “Pretending to Know the Words” by Helen Cooper is descriptive but easy to follow and understand. The choice of words is mostly related to football, as the protagonist is a football player.

Read the full analysis in the following pages!