Setting

The events presented in the short story “Sea Defences” by Hilary Taylor take place in an unnamed town or village next to the sea. An important element in the story is the prehistoric footprints that Michael shows Hannah (ll. 82-84). The place where the footprints are found is also the place of Hannah’s death, which traumatizes Michael and influences the rest of his life. 

Another important element related to the physical setting is represented by the sea defences, which Michael childishly calls “seedy fences” (l. 103). Sea defences are usually built because of coastal erosion to prevent the sea from affecting the land. The sea defences play an important role in the narrative, as they are the place where Michael’s mother is fatally injured (ll. 19-21). However, Michael does not understand the purpose of the sea defences and does not take the threat of the sea seriously, since he takes Hannah beyond them, where there is no...