Structure

The short story “Serrusalmus” by Lesley Glaister presents an event in Marjorie’s life. The story begins with a description of Marjorie’s apartment and continues with a flashback into her childhood: “Once, as a girl, she had been taken to the zoo for a birthday treat” (p. 81, ll. 10-11). The flashback presents Marjorie’s fascination with the formicary and connects the past with her present idea that people resemble ants. 

Another flashback helps readers understand Marjorie’s condition: “‘Agoraphobia,’ the doctor said when she tried to explain, and gave her some pills” (p. 82, ll. 20-21). A foreshadowing element suggests that Mick is a negative figure in Marjorie’s life (p. 82, ll. 31-34) and hints at an ongoing conflict between the two characters. ...