Perspectives

Literary perspective

The short story “Serrusalmus” by Lesley Glaister is a modernist work of fiction. 

First, the story does not follow a traditional plot structure or a chronological line. Most of the events are described in flashbacks, which help the readers find out more about Marjorie’s motivation to hurt Mick. Then, the story relies on symbols like the fish tanks or the formicary, which illustrate how Marjorie’s agoraphobia makes her see the world. Moreover, the story focuses on Marjorie’s inner struggle and on her life with an anxiety disorder, which is another modernist characteristic. 

Works with the same theme

The short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe deals with the theme of revenge. In the text, the narrator plans to get his revenge on another character because of a rumor. In the end, the narrator gets his revenge by burying his enemy alive in a wall. When comparing the two stories, it would be a good idea to look at the different reasons behind the main characters’ decision to get revenge. 

The theme of revenge is also analyzed by Pippa Gough in the short story “The Journey to the Brothers’ Farm”. In the text, a woman named Annelie takes revenge on Hendriks, a man who raped her when she was barely a teenager. When comparing Gough’s story with “Serrusalmus”, it would be useful to reflect on the difference between planned revenge and revenge that appears as a quick opportunity. 

The short story “Graveyard Shift” by James M. Reasoner also deals with the theme of revenge. The main character, a man named Frank, moves from town to town and kills robbers in convenience stores in an attempt to avenge the death of his wife, who was killed by a robber in a convenience store.