Setting

Now, we present the physical, time, and social setting of the story “Pride and Joy” written by Philippa East.

Physical setting

The short story’s main physical setting is represented by Rosie’s Diner, the place where Mrs Jacks and Billfy go to celebrate Billy’s birthday. According to the descriptions in the story, the diner is situated somewhere along the road that leads to the town, next to a petrol station and a garden shop.

Although the diner is not thoroughly described – except for the fact that it is almost empty and there is a cow outside that Billy likes – the garden shop, on the other hand, is depicted in detail:

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Social setting

Nothing specific is told about Billy’s condition, yet we can assume that he has a form of developmental impairment that demands his mother’s total attention and complete dedication. When her husband was alive, the couple shared their burdens, yet old age and illness took over Mrs Jacks’ husband and left her a widow:

When Billy was young they’d managed, her and Jim. But steadily they’d all grown older, thickening and hardening, till in the end Jim had just given out. Now, with her own health wavering, it seemed barely anything of herself was left at all. The pain took so much and Billy took the rest. (ll. 72-75)

As you have seen, Mrs Jacks’ life is not easy, as she has to put herself second and focus all her attention on Billy, feeding him, dressing him, clipping his nails, dressing him, taking him to the toilet, etc.

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