Structure

The short story “Sea Defences” by Hilary Taylor has a non-linear structure, mixing present events with past events. 

The story begins in medias res, with Michael stating that he is in the police station “again” (l. 1). This, together with the mention of a red shoe (l. 1), foreshadows that Michael has been in the police station before and that something bad has happened. It also suggests a conflict between Michael and the police over something that happens regularly.

The narrative mixes Michael’s recollection of past events – such as his mother falling down onto the sea defences (ll. 4-21) – with his present interaction with the Detective Inspector. A foreshadowing element suggests that Michael had something to do with Hannah Bird’s death years ago and that his mother tried to prevent people from finding out: “She was trying to save me. From this. She didn’t want anyone to find it.” (ll. 56-57). Repeated hints o...