Analysis

Here, you find a short summary of the main aspects we will approach when analysing the short story “After Caravaggio's Sacrifice of Isaac” by Rachel Cusk.

The structure of the short story follows a simple plot: a man’s love for his son is tested when he falls in love with another woman who asks him to abandon his son for her. The title of the short story, “After Caravaggio's Sacrifice of Isaac”, is a reference to a painting by Renaissance artist Caravaggio.

The most important character in the short story is Alan, the narrator. The other characters—Sally, Ian, and Gerte—are secondary characters, relevant for the way Alan perceives them.

The physical setting includes places like the narrator’s house, where he lives with his wife and son, art galleries, a pub, and an airport. The social setting explores aspects related to parenthood, marriage, love, and art.

The narrator presents the events as they happened and leaves very little open to interpretation. The only things that are open to interpretation are the narrator’s feelings of guilt and regret, suggested through his dreams or the way he recounts the events.

The story is conveyed using accessible language and style of writing. The author mostly uses the narrative mode and free direct speech instead of dialogue.

Read the full analysis of “After Caravaggio's Sacrifice of Isaac” in the following pages!