Perspectives

Literary period

Published in 2014, the short story “Self Defense” by Samuel Wilkins fits the literary movement we call Postmodernism, which defines much of the literature published starting with the 1960s. Postmodernist works can be recognized through themes, context, and narrative techniques. In “Self Defense”, we notice that the short story explores the themes of dominance and sexuality and freedom. These themes are recognizably postmodernist as postmodern works often focus on identity and on exploring how people are influenced and shaped by their circumstances.

In terms of narrative techniques, “Self Defense” uses irony, which is a typical feature for postmodernist writers.

Through multiple references and allusions, readers are reminded of different social issues such as relationships between inmates, the effects of prison on inmates, the...